Dear Students...

To my amazing students,

Just as you always show up as your authentic selves and you make my world a better place, I want to do the same for you. Here’s what I need you to know:

I am with you.

I am the one teaching you in the online classes. I am here for game time every week. You will see my face and hear my voice. I may even be in your group! I want to see how you are doing and have a chance to connect with you. If you are a Starfish student, you will definitely see me on a weekly basis. As we continue to grow you will see more adults as well but they are here to support me, not replace me. If you need me, I am here. If you don’t need me, I’m still here. I am with you.

I am for you.

I will support you and encourage you. I will never criticize you or make you feel badly about yourself. I will not ask you to change you who are or become someone you are not because you are exactly the seedling you are supposed to be. I will give you water and sunshine by teaching you new skills and strategies so you can fully bloom. I will help you connect with other amazing students so you can build genuine relationships. I will always be one of your biggest fans and supporters as you become the best version of yourself! I am for you.

I am you.

I know what it’s like to struggle when interacting with other people. I know what it’s like to have big reactions that get you in trouble and hurt other people. I know what it’s like to worry about things so much that you make yourself sick. I know what it’s like to have a psychiatric diagnosis. I know what it’s like to have to be hospitalized for your own safety. I know what it’s like to be impulsive and say/do things without thinking. I know what it’s like to feel left out. I know what it’s like to feel like no one understands you. And this is why Starfish Social Club exists. I am you.

One more thing: I have always asked students to call me ‘Ms. Stephanie’. But that makes it seem like I’m in a higher position than you and I deserve respect just because. Neither of those is true. We are in this together, and you will teach me just as much as I will teach you. So from now on you can call me ‘Steph’. That is a much more authentic representation of who I am. (Mr. Ramiro is on board with this too, you can call him ‘Ramiro’ from now on.)

You may also notice some slight changes to my appearance. Just as I always want you to show up as you are, I want to do the same. Sometimes I feel like I have to look more professional because that’s what adults expect, but I’m here for you and you don’t care about that stuff. You give me the freedom to be who I am right along with you.

I am with you, I am for you, and I am you.  Let’s agree to be our authentic selves and rock this social world together, shall we?

With all my love,

Steph