Success Stories

Some of the ways in which SAP's help students are based on the caring relationship that grows between a student and a counselor. The effects are subtle, difficult to quantify, and perhaps best described through case studies.

" Judy" was a Vermont high school student who experienced many personal problems while just a teenager. She was a dedicated and happy student until her parents divorced during her sophomore year. Not knowing how to cope with her family crisis, she soon fell into a deep depression. Her lack of concentration affected her grades. Her friends were at first supportive, but then became tired of her moods and "complaining." Gradually she felt she had fewer and fewer people to turn to. Then she started to use drugs to numb her depression, which led to other problems. She was headed in a downward spiral. Finally, she decided she needed to talk to a professional, but someone she also considered a friend. Her student assistance counselor not only helped with her depression, but also helped her make better choices around substance use. She is currently at a Vermont college and is coping better. She says, "I don't think I could have made it without [my student assistance counselor]...[He] caught my alcoholism and depression...I would have been worse off down the road if I had not known of [these services]...especially when I went to college where there is more pressure to drink."

"George" is a Vermont high school student, who's best friend "Alan" committed suicide. When George had problems he used to talk to Alan. But now that he is going through his worst crisis he feels he has no one to talk to. He feels no one understands his grief. And then his girlfriend told him she might be pregnant.,. He doesn't know what to do. Talking to his student assistance counselor made him realize that others care and that he has someone to turn to. Now, he is making better life choices. As he said to his student assistance counselor, "I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You have helped me make some tough decisions and work through things I wouldn't have been able to do alone. I can't imagine what I would have done if I hadn't been able to talk to you...You made me feel special."