The Pasadena Educational Foundation awarded Blair High School teacher Grace Keshishian a PEF Teacher Grant to develop a wellness room and launch a new social and emotional learning program for her high school students. At the heart of this program is the creation of a new space for students to form friendships that will inspire new ways for them to contribute to the Blair community, and grow as students.
Keshishian used the grant to create a comfortable and fun dedicated space where small groups of students could gather weekly and begin forming these new friendships and bonds. Students had the chance to talk, share meals, play games, had friendly competitions, and simply be around one another in a low-pressure environment.
Early sessions were quiet, with students cautious and reluctant to interact. Over time, however, students began opening up. They participated in activities with more enthusiasm, and looked forward to their weekly visits. The wellness room and wellness program started by Keshishian has become a new option for students to build a community with their peers, an option that will continue to grow alongside them.
The students themselves describe their personal growth best:
“The group sessions made me believe in myself and helped me to do better in school.”
“I feel more open to talk and to the people around me.”
