It was stewardship (or more well known as addictions) week at BCHS. This year’s topic was a fairly sensitive one. A topic that many people didn’t really think of when they thought of addictions. Many people dealt with this kind of issue in private.
On Monday, the students were introduced to what were we going to discuss for the next week: Pornography. Dale Shenk gave some words on the topic and some stigmas that were attached to such an industry. Tuesday Sarah Lind introduced most of the student body to a website Fight the New Drug and showed shocking statistics about the way pornography can take over someone’s life. Wednesday Steve Thomas shared in chapel about some of the effects pornography had on his life and his friends. He reiterated that sex was intended for marriage and not for objectification. Thursday, students were split into small groups based on gender and grade and shared their thoughts on the week so far. On Friday, there was a time for reflection in a chapel. Some of the faculty who lead students in small groups shared some of the ideas that were shared in their small groups. After this, students had the option to sign posters. One says “You are my brother” and the other “You are my sister.”
Overall the students thought that the small groups were when everyone got the most personal. A student (who will remain anonymous because of the sensitivity around this topic) said, “It gave a lot of warning of what’s out there, it’s something many people struggle with.” Many others saw the statistics as the most shocking throughout the week. Another student said, “It’s strange to think that the age of exposure is so young especially because we young kids that age walk around the halls and seem so innocent.”
There is a lot of anticipation for the subject of stewardship week next year. This week allows faculty and students to think about the issues that are affecting people every day. For many this week brought information that they hadn’t thought about previously. It is also a way of knowing how to deal with someone who may face an issue similar to this.