 Tis the season to inspire ourselves and others! We at Natural High were extremely inspired and encouraged when we received a letter from one of our educators in the Natural High Education Network, Jamie Armin. Jamie shared her personal story about how drugs have affected her life and her loved ones. As you will see, being part of Natural High has confirmed the importance of inspiring others to say ‘yes' to their Natural High and ‘no' to drugs.
Submit your story to info@naturalhigh.org if you are inspired by the Natural High message.
Dear Natural High and Jon Sundt,
The Natural High 5 that I received in the mail yesterday is the best in the series so far! Amazing stories and teacher tools! Jon's personal story has such a positive impact on the kids. The information empowers the kids to speak out about their own personal stories and goals. One of the best additions is the inclusion of the younger kid's natural highs! After viewing the video today, we created a natural high banner. The kids were very excited to share their own natural highs and goals.
When I teach the drug and alcohol prevention unit, I always share my own personal story of my brother's battle with addiction and mania. My brother attempted suicide on Sept 28th of this year. I was actually showing NH4 to my 8th graders when I got paged to take an emergency phone call. The secretary thought it sounded serious. My brother was on the phone telling me that “today was the day” and that he had just visited with my parents to tell them he loved them, and that he loved me, and asked me to help his wife with his kids. He told me he was on a bridge and was going to jump. I begged him not to do it and that I would go and meet him. I begged him to think of his kids. I told him that I had a student in my class right now who just lost her dad to suicide and drugs. I tried to let him know that he could not be replaced and that his kids needed him. The phone went dead.
I left the room and asked the custodian to get the principal. He arrived with our crisis team. My principal contacted the Massachusetts State Police and gave them my brother's information and phone number. The State police found my brother and pulled him off the bridge. There was a man there who was trying to talk him down who probably saved his life as well.
My brother started smoking at age 13 and then progressed to marijuana and alcohol in high school. He got injured playing hockey in college and was prescribed pain meds and was hooked. He had to leave hockey because of the injury. This was his only real goal and passion. He really needed another goal and to get away from his friends that used. So, I always ask my students to choose several goals if they can and to make new friends when the ones they have turn to drugs. My brother has worked at several jobs and continues to battle the addiction. He is meeting with his counselors and doctors each week and attends AA and NA. It is a tough road.
On another note, my one of my daughter's best friends was Matthew Denice of MA, the young man who was killed in August by an illegal immigrant drunk driver. This has been all over the National news. Unfortunately, it is not the only case like it out there. This tragedy occurred about 1/4 mile from our home and has devastated his family, friends and the community. Please visit the Justice for Matt page on Facebook.
All of this tragedy has caused me to reconsider what I do everyday and whether I can go on teaching with all of this senseless destruction going on. It is difficult to share each time I show the video and discuss. But, I know it's so important.
When I received Natural High 5 I realized that my quote was on the cover, I took it as a big sign that I do need to continue this important job of educating our kids not to use, and to go out there and be successful! They need me and I need them, and we need and appreciate the great Natural High videos! Thank you so much for making such an impact in our schools! Truly, this is the best drug prevention resource out there!
Sincerely,
Jamie Armin
Health Education, Tantasqua Junior High
Sturbridge MA |
