By Reggie Clinton - Superintendent ISVI
January 21, 2008

One of the life lessons we try to teach students at home and school is the ability to communicate their needs and advocate for themselves. While this is hard for some and easier for others, it is an ability we all need. We also need to learn how to compromise when two parties differ in their opinions.

I attended a Student Residential Committee meeting one evening last week. It gave me the opportunity to witness the students practicing their ability to communicate their desires while sharing issues they felt needed to be discussed.

What I witnessed were students from each dormitory coming together in an appropriate manner to share items with adults. While others were talking they patiently waited their turn. For the supervisors present it was an opportunity for them to gain an awareness of areas to possibly improve dormitory life for that student, or group of students, from the perspective of the student. None of the items shared were of major problems, but more along the lines of the typical types of situations that arise in any living arrangement, be it at school or at home. As a parent, this reminded me of the conversations I have had with my own daughters at home. Many items simply needed a clarification as to why they are done. Others needed further discussion. There were also items that the students were asked to consider and think of ways to improve for discussion at a future meeting. The other thing that I liked is that nobody tried to lay blame. It was simply an opportunity to openly discuss anything that the students felt important to bring to the table.

For me it was reassuring to witness adults on campus giving the students an opportunity to share their views in a way that reinforces skills that are being taught in the classrooms and at home. Anytime you bring a group of people together to live there are bound to be issues that arise from time to time. It reminded me of my youth growing up with a big brother and we did not always agree. While we both wanted things our own way our parents taught us how to come to a resolution that may have included some compromise for both of us. It was also reassuring to witness students taking the time out of their evening schedules to attend because they feel it is important to share and discuss as a group.

Overall, this opportunity showed me that our students are learning some of the important life skills they are going to need once they leave us and enter the adult world. It also showed me that our students are listening to what you as parents, and we as educators, are trying to teach them for properly resolving issues that may come up. Hopefully together we can continue to build and reinforce these skills for our students.

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