Success Story: Session II

“I have no friends at school and no one likes me.” Do you remember that was one of the first things you told me? I thought you seemed like such a sweet and funny girl, that it didn’t even make sense that you couldn’t make friends. As I watched you interact with others in the group, though, I soon realized that you had been hurt. You had been hurt and betrayed by those around you in your past, and now you had the hardest time forging authentic relationships. All I could think to myself while watching you with the other girls was that I had been there before. I told you this. Do you remember? I’m pretty sure you responded with a smirk like I never could have been in the same position you were. But I was in your position when I was your age; so from there on you and I worked on the best way to make and keep friends. We worked on asking others about themselves, you helped others in the cabin, and you sure did do your best to cut back on the sarcasm. The night I knew that it all paid off was when you gave everyone nicknames during Highs & Lows. I could distinctly look back on the first couple days when you isolated yourself from the group because of your sarcastic comments and silly antics, and see the new girl you had become as you acknowledged each of the girls in the cabin with respect. I think you and I both know that we will never be perfect, but the authentic relationships you have developed here at camp have given you great tools to take with you. Keep up the hard work, and know that I love you for who you are.