It’s spring. Which means that high school graduation is right around the corner for a lot of students. But for some students, personal obstacles, learning challenges or just life circumstances have gotten in the way of on-time graduation. When you enroll at Edge High School, we’ll create a graduation plan that works for your schedule and at your pace. But first, we want to tackle something: shame.
What is Shame?
According to Brené Brown, a researcher at the University of Houston who has a lot of great podcasts on the subject, shame is an “intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” It’s an emotion that affects all of us and can profoundly shape the way we interact in the world. Shame can impact your ability to move forward in your life. It can stop you from addressing your barriers, and can prevent you from forming a plan to create and reach goals – like high school graduation.
So how do you recover from shame? Turns out there are lots of ways! Become aware of how you talk to yourself. Be kind to yourself – everyone makes mistakes. And seek support – which is where Edge can make a difference!
The Credit Recovery Stigma
A lot of students come to Edge with less than successful experiences in other high schools. They have fallen behind on credits and need help charting a way forward. Edge is a credit recovery high school – which means we have lots of creative ways for students to earn credits. But making the transition between traditional and alternative high school can be challenging, based on perceptions that students who attend alternative schools are deviant, troubled, or unable to keep up with their peers. Well, that perception is just that: a perception, not reality.
At Edge you’ll find classmates that are motivated to learn, are smart and engaged in our classrooms, and who are ready to support you in your learning goals. In fact, our small-school 1:1 teaching model is often the first time that our students feel seen and respected by their teachers and peers. You may be surprised how quickly any anxiety or shame you may have about enrolling at Edge is replaced by academic success and positive social experiences.
We’ve Seen It All
Are you dealing with tough obstacles outside of school? Family and relationship dynamics? Mental health struggles? Job challenges? Your teachers here at Edge are here to help. And believe us – we’ve seen it all. There’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed talking to us about your life obstacles. Listening and helping you overcome those obstacles is a big part of why we’re here! We’ll check in with you daily to find out how things are going, and we have tons of resources both inside and outside of school that can help you move forward. Edge is a shame-free zone and a safe space for you to share your worries with our staff.
Success Stories
Edge graduation is May 25 and we are looking forward to celebrating our graduates who have worked hard and found success at our school. We have so many success stories from students that arrived at our school feeling overwhelmed and are now looking forward to bright futures. They overcame shame and barriers in their lives and graduated proud of their hard work and time as a student at Edge. You could be next!
Learn more about how Edge can support you in overcoming life’s obstacles and achieving your goals – enroll today.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.