Coalinga High School Resilency Program

 The drive from Fresno to Coalinga can be a long and ardous road trip.  If You allow it to be.  For me, it was nothing short of delight.  It was me and TED (talks) that is as long as reception allowed.  Then, my mind took me on a whirld wind of emotions and reflections as I passed the laborers working on the lush green fields.  I recalled the hot, muggy and sticky days of summer when I worked the fields.  I can still smell the earthy smells, and the sticky long-sleves (especally around the neck and arms).  I wondered how I got from those fields to my field.    Most imprtantly I tried so hard to to recall my journey with very little success.  I wanted to say the most meaningful things to those students that always awaited my return.  I asked my sould to give me the words which would inspire and transform them  to go from  the earthy felds to a field in which they excel and love?  But no success.  One question led to another, and another, and another.... but still no answers.  And on it went until the last step through the door.  Then, AHA!  It clicked.  Every time.  Their smiles said it all.  It wasn't my words that mattered.  Heck, I could have said the wonderful words of Dr. Martin Luther King...  "I have a dream...."  or JFK's famous words Don't ask what this country could do for you..."  Las palabras se las lleva el viento (words are companions of winds) my father used to say.  

What mattered most was that I was there! 

Guys don't forget our scouts honor (pinky swear) that we made.  I look forward to your invite as you walk through the stage on graduation day. 

Thank you for the gift of allowing me to take part in your journey. 

Dream big and work hard!

Love, Dr. Alfredo Ponce

ResilIENCY PROGRAM, PARLIER HIGH SCHOOL

On March 3, 2011, We had our first Resiliency presentation.  Although we had a small group, the student were very outstanding.  The were very engaged.  The conversation was extremely upbeat.  The students seem to know what they have to do.  The issue is to be able to think about their actions before they actually do them.  Most of the students asked when we were returning which is always a positive sign.  We discussed the resiliency component from different perspectives.  As always our goal is to have students bounce back to a level which is beneficial to them.  They must understand that failure is part of life.  Learning from failure is what we need to develop through analysis and reflection.  Our intent is to ensure that our students become reflective individuals so that they become better students, brothers sisters, peers...    A special thanks to the teacher, mentors and especially the students.  To be continued!!!

Sincerely,  Alfredo and Janelle.

PARLIER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STAFF

RESILIENCY PROGRAM, COALINGA HIGH SCHOOL

On March 2, 2011, We had our first Resiliency presentation.  The student were very receptive.  The were very engaged.  Most of the students had input and questions.  We spoke for over an hour.  We held our first introductions of the program.  The students do appear to have a grasp as to what is education.  When it comes to understanding the "why" education question, the answers are harder to come.  They seem to generate generic questions, but applying them to their natural environments and their future seem to be somewhat foreign.  We will continue to develop this areas.  The students displayed lots of passion and expressed high hopes for what the future holds for them.  We touched on the importance of failure and the lessons we can gain from it.  The teacher expressed a personal story of her struggles and how she overcame her stressors.  A special thanks to the teacher, mentor and especially the students.  To be continued!!!
Dr. Ponce

COALINGA HS RESILEINCY PROGRAM
PARTICIPANTS AND STAFF  

Messages from students from Coalinga Middle School

Messages for Mrs. Martin and Dr. Ponce:  She is awesome.  She taught us to never give up.  We learned about delayed gratification.  Always wait, be patient and everything will be a success.  I am always going to remeber to have faith, hope and give back.  I will always bounce back and be better off.  I will have a good foundation.

Thank you both for working so closely with our students. They always looked forward to you coming on Thursdays. We will continue talking and working with the students in regards to building resiliency. The material that you brought really helped open their eyes to the opportunities that are available to them. You guys are awesome! ---Mrs. Fairbanks

Reflections from Coalinga Middle School Students

We have just completed the first round of Resiliency presentations. We want to thank the teachers and staff at San Joaquin M.S., Mrs. Santana, Mrs. Soria and Mrs. Fernandez. Most of all we want to thank the students. They were wonderful and so much fun to work with. I expect that they will take these lessons with them where ever they go in life. We expect you will succeed no matter the obstacles that are placed in your paths. Best wishes and the highest of expectations. Dream big and work hard!!!

Janelle and Alfredo