by Megan R.
Following each graduation, the Family Foundation School goes through a transitional period, as people struggle to find their new roles in the school community.
With June graduation rapidly approaching, FFS will be losing its most senior students. The transition of the younger students stepping up into the senior’s positions can sometimes be a rocky one.
FFS student, Bobby M. organized the first-ever community meeting. The meeting was designed to help the current seniors share how they dealt with the struggles that come as a result of stepping up.
Hosted by fourteen soon-to-be- graduates, the meeting invited three of the next-level senior students from each family. The graduates talked about issues that the students will face after graduation, and how they got through them. “I have been given so much. It’s only right for me to give it away,” said Bobby.
The seniors spoke about a variety of topics, including taking pride in the school, holding people accountable, dealing with students who are having a hard time, being loving and compassionate, insecurity, respect, honesty, being open at the table, and the fact that it is hard to be happy if you hate everything around you.
After the discussion and a period of question-and-answers, Lavinia L. led the students in a “human knot exercise.” All of the students held hands and had to try to unravel themselves into a circle, without talking or letting go. Eventually, the students were allowed to talk and were able to un-knot themselves. It was a fun way for the students to learn to work together, symbolizing the community they live in.
Following the “human knot exercise,” the students split up into three groups of seven. Bobby M., Pat M., and Megan R. led the three groups in discussions of their choice. Bobby’s group talked about a higher power, male-female relationships, and how the seniors are “attracting” rather than “promoting” students to the program. Pat’s group discussed keeping focused and staying on the right path. Megan’s group looked at hypocrisy, honesty, and relationships with the opposite sex.
The meeting concluded with each person making one commitment to the group. “It’s hard to be honest in front of 50 people,” said Bobby, “but my only expectation was to leave other kids more informed, enthusiastic, and aware about things around the school, and that definitely happened.”
There is another community meeting scheduled for early next month, to allow more students to become a part of the unity that FFS strives for.
Along with the students, FFS staff members are working together to bring about change in the community.
To help bring Senior Floor people closer to administrators, the campus life office has switched locations with the business office.
The move also allows the business office to have more peace and quiet to work. Although it was a change and adjustment for all of FFS, the switch seems to be working out. “I love it. This is where we used to be when we started, and I like the space,” said Senior Floor staff member, Myron VanDemark
