Let's talk about it

PNT staff writer

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Since October, Portales High School students have a place where they can talk about issues like dating violence, bullying and healthy relationships.

“Just Breathe” meets every Tuesday at lunch with about 10 to 15 students from freshmen to seniors attending.

Diana McAlister, a science teacher at PHS, was approached by two of her sophomore students, Janay Summers and Miara Alaniz, at the beginning of the school year.

“They told me they wanted a safe place to go where they can talk about problems and issues they and other teens face,” McAlister said.

McAlister went to the school’s counselors, and in October the group was started. Then in January, Laura Serrano, Cannon Air Force Base school liaison officer, asked the school if it had a group that discussed hot button topics with the students.

Upon being informed of “Just Breathe,” Serrano asked to work with McAlister on the group’s curriculum.

“I wanted the group to be able to talk about topics that are hard to talk about, but put a positive spin on it and have it be fun and educational,” Serrano said.

McAlister, who was herself struggling with forming the group and topic selection, was agreeable to the request. Together, they worked on bringing more awareness to the group and setting up topic to discuss every week.

For example, a recent topic of bullying included defining a bully, actions to take and avoid while being bullied and how to help other victims.

“It was very interactive and the kids really responded well to it,” Serrano said.

Serrano said the next topic the group will be discussing is drug and alcohol abuse and she has invited guest speakers.

“I want this group to be a safe environment for teens to talk about the issues they face,” Serrano said, “and have professionals be able to dismiss myths about those topics.”

“I hope the group will grow more and know that they can talk about the hard topics with us,” McAlister said.

The group aims to do fundraising efforts later to provide students with group T-shirts and purchase supplies to perform community service projects.

“I enjoy working with the kids and we learn from each other. I just want to get know them so we can tailor the topic on what they are going through,” Serrano said.