This was submitted by a full-time faculty member
Last winter, one of my college students was suicidal. Today, he is not only alive and well but thriving – enough that he graduated and is moving on to even further education.
I do not take credit for his improved mental health. But I know I played a part.
Do you know how I knew he needed help?
Because as a full-time professor, I spend several hours with each of my student cohorts each week.
Because I get to know them, and them me. We build a rapport, a trust, a comfort level.
Because I am paid a salary, which means I have an office, office hours and abundant time on campus to connect with my students.
Because I am not rushing away to another job or thinking about the other work I have to do outside of my college work.
I have learned through this job to look for the signs. I noticed something wasn’t right. I took the time to ask about his health, and after a few conversations, to ask about suicide. His relief was palpable. Someone finally said the word, helped him feel safe, assured him he wouldn’t be judged.
With his permission, I gathered the team he was working with on a major course project. We spoke openly about his struggles. They offered their help and support. We put contingency plans in place to help him succeed academically. We all looked out for him. He was so afraid of letting them down, but together we all boosted him up. I’ve never been prouder of a group of students. When they passed their final project presentation, he literally fell on the ground, so overjoyed and overwhelmed. We were all in tears. THIS is teaching.
Part-time faculty at colleges try to take these same, or similar, steps too. They certainly have the heart for it. But when you’re running on and off campus with your mind on several other jobs, there’s no doubt students fall between the cracks.
Counsellors matter. Full-time faculty jobs matter. Why? Because students matter.