Brightening Lives
The Impact of Chaplaincy
A Chaplain's Daily Mission to Bring Love and Hope
"Life is tough for many kids at school these days. I've seen kids walk into class, and they have already been triggered by the events of their morning at home. The last thing on their mind is English or Maths, so they muck up, pick fights, or just refuse to do their work. These are the kids who get to school and think: 'What's the point?' because their greatest needs, such as being loved, valued, and having a sense of belonging, those basic needs, are not being met. And it's not their fault; it's just the way it is for some. So, every day, my goal is to love.
I find those kids, and I try to help them see their worth and see that there is hope for their future. I make sure I 'Light up' when I see a student walk into school so that they know they are valued. I look for the kids who need someone to hear them, and I listen to what's on their mind. I run Well-being programs that help support students with their mental health, and we talk about relationships, peer pressure, identity, values, and many other things.
Everyone needs love. Everyone needs to be believed in. Everyone needs to belong... I love being a chaplain - it's not just a job; it's a way of life."
