president's letter
Why do we ask youth to write?
One of the most important steps in recovery is to write a trauma narrative, one's story - not of defeat - but outlining what they have been through in order to process it. Writing in a way that is about what we overcame, not what broke us. This therapeutic tool allows us to turn a difficult experience, and memory, into a source of pride. It is a tribute to oneself for making it out of adversity.
If youth need inspiration, professional athletes are utilizing writing to express themselves on the Players Tribune, the online magazine run by Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.
We want to bring that platform for celebrity athletes to all players and coaches.
Often times, these pieces of writing are very inspiring and moving - even to strangers. As the director of Goals and Glory, I had several traumatic experiences through my developmental years. As an athlete, and away from the field, these challenges impacted me emotionally, spiritually, and socially -- until I got help. Often times writing about it was the only way for me to discover what I felt about it, and turn any pain into pride.
Before I got help, I dealt with intrusive memories, self-hate, fearing the worst all the time, anger and depression. In the end, one of these stories was my college essay, and one was my essay for graduate school. For scholar-athletes, writing is an important professional skill to master, and we think the ability to help people express themselves and inspire others is critical. Please consider sharing your story, not only to be eligible for a scholarship award, but to inspire others and help end stigma.
~ Jonah Silk,
Goals and Glory President
Impact of Trauma
Trauma can affect anybody - whether someone had one traumatic experience or many. It can impact how people see the world, how they behave, and their self-esteem. Clinical social workers are having great success healing trauma using the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model. This is a multi-phase treatment plan that helps the client define, identify and understand their experiences, their thoughts, feelings, and their behaviors.
