Student Wellbeing

Witnessing one another’s stories

Having someone witness our life story is deeply validating, both in the small moments and the significant ones.

Sometimes our stories contain very difficult chapters, and at other times they are filled with highlights.

Being a support to a friend can help make difficult times a little easier. Listening and reflecting back on what you hear is challenging for your friend, can be incredibly helpful, without feeling that we need to have all the right answers or solve the problem.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

Our stories hold moments of joy, achievement, struggle, and pain. 

Being human brings with it thoughts, emotions, assumptions, and judgments. 

At times, we can feel stuck in our story, trapped in our thoughts like quicksand or overwhelmed by a tsunami of emotions. We may feel the sting of embarrassment or fear that we are not good enough to move forward.

Making sense of these experiences can be an important part of personal growth. Looking back on our story and recognising our strengths can become the beginning of a new path forward. 

It can also remind us of things we may have forgotten, such as our ability to persevere and seek help when needed. There may be parts of our story that speak most clearly to the person we are becoming, as well as qualities we deeply value and treasure.

Our community makes it possible for stories to be witnessed, for sorrow to be held, and for achievements to be celebrated. Like any good novel, our story can hold two realities at the same time, with neither being diminished, excluded or stifled.

For example, it is possible to experience joy in the midst of suffering. There can be a sense of loss when a student moves from one stage of life to another, such as finishing school, while there is also growth, new opportunities, and newly developed skills to celebrate.

When we minimise or try to remove negative emotions and experiences, we can lose sight of the richness that comes from growth through adversity. Challenges often give rise to the next chapter of our story, allowing resilience and strength to flourish.

Choosing curiosity rather than judgment helps us hold these realities together. Talking with friends and family, seeking discernment through prayer, or speaking with a counsellor are all valuable ways to navigate and shape the stories we are living.

Mel Batchelor

Wellbeing Counsellor