stratozyck wrote:
I am 39 now and this is something that still bothers me to this day. This was after Columbine, and they sent a teacher who used to teach at my middle school because they thought she knew me better. She asked me if I ever thought about doing violence or hurting anyone at school.
I was a weird kid - believe me I see it now with the benefit of hindsight. Inside, I am still as weird but I've learned to act more normal in front of others because you need to do that to get money. I admit - I was also a kid who did not like authority. But you know what? I am an adult that doesn't like authority.
I think they targeted me for that because I used to skip school a lot because I hated being there, and I was a weird kid that didn't dress normally and people made fun of a little. I would literally just run as fast as I could away during breaks between classes. I got away most of the time, but sometimes they sent the police after me.
What gets me now is that we know that they weren't autistic loner kids. The dude that instigated it was actually a somewhat popular sociopath. Of course, there were others that the media did highlight were autistic.
It hurt a lot because I don't have any violence towards others in me. However, I was/am weird so I think people think weird = potential killer.
Sorry that happened.
After Columbine there would have been extreme pressure on school admin. to identify any possible risk factors, and to increase mental health support for students who didn't seem to fit in or have friends. Schools and entire districts could be sued for letting these children slip through the cracks, especially if someone had expressed a concern and nothing was done. Students identified as 'at risk' could harm themselves, but they could also harm others. They might also be bullied by other students who think they're a potential shooter for spending so much time alone. Those students needed support too.
I hope this topic was broached with sensitivity by a qualified psychologist or guidance counsellor, in a private and comfortable environment, rather than in the hallway of a a busy school.
If my child had died or if my child was in high school at that time, I would have expected admin to do the same.
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I never give you my number, I only give you my situation.
Beatles