Abstract
Senseless violence is committed by firearms while accountability measures on gun control are debated. Some safety laws have passed. However, violence aimed at schools and social venues continues. We honor the dead/injured in Orlando, Florida; Sandy Hook, Connecticut; Uvalde, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado, and everywhere. Presenters reside in states with mass shootings and note there is no national curriculum to help vulnerable students work through emotionally shocking situations occurring at schools and social venues. Latinx and GLBTQ students can be re-traumatized by fresh news coverage of their communities in crisis. We propose creative exercises for higher education, across disciplines. These are adaptable to specialties and work through student stress/anxiety. Creative Writing: Prompt example–“The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you”, 10 minute focused idea list in class; 2 page essay take-home assignment; guided discussion follows for processing. Public Speaking example–a student pulls a small piece of paper from a box of pre-prepared statements and extemporaneously speaks about the statement, such as “Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally”. Guided discussion follows. Visual Arts–ten minute in-class or take-home, use half of a plain piece of note paper, use any desired pen/pencil colors to create any shapes and lines responding to “all things can be mended”. Students volunteer sharing and guided discussion ensues. Educators of this poster teach/counsel populations identifying as Latinx and GLBTQ. Educators strive to support student excellence while recognizing extreme levels of student stress and anxiety in our uncertain times.
Presenters
Graciela Quinones-RodriguezPsychiatric Social Worker-Mental Health Clinician, Student Health and Wellness-Mental Health Services, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, United States Mary Helen Millham
Contributing Faculty, School of Communication, University of Hartford, Connecticut, United States Diana Rios
Faculty Communication and EL Instituto: Latino-Latin American Caribbean Studies, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Education and Learning Worlds of Differences
KEYWORDS
GUN-SHOOTINGS, EDUCATION, LATINX, GLBTQ, STRESS REDUCTION, COPING, ANXIETY, STRATEGIES
