Trauma can have a profound effect on a teenager’s growth and development, including their ability to succeed in school. Traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, the loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence, can all cause significant emotional distress and can interfere with a teenager’s ability to focus, learn, and build healthy relationships with peers and teachers. 

The effects of trauma on a teenager’s development can be long-lasting and can even impact their future success. For example, teenagers who have experienced trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions and may be more likely to act out in class or engage in risky behaviors. This can lead to problems with school performance, such as poor grades and difficulty completing assignments, as well as social problems, such as difficulty making friends and forming healthy relationships. 

Students of Wilsonville High School were able to speak up about their experience with these barriers they hold back, and how that affects their ability to succeed in school. Because this topic may be sensitive to some, the speakers would not like to share their names; and instead have all agreed with being called “Jake,” a sophomore, “Abigail,” a junior, and “John,” a senior.

For example, teenagers who have experienced trauma may be more susceptible to illnesses and may have trouble sleeping, which can impact their energy levels and ability to concentrate during the day. They may also be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as substance abuse, which can further impair their ability to succeed in school. Jake spoke up about how hard it was for him to concentrate in school while having such hardships happening at home. 

He could barely go to sleep, and he could barely get up in the morning. The school became a drag, and he was less confident to go. He spoke up about how hard home was, and how risky it was to go to school. He loved learning, and he loved hanging out with friends, but the barriers of his traumatic past held him back from having the real high school experience. 

Playing football was hard for Jake because it also held him back from being the son that his father expected. But hanging out with friends, going to school, and joining in activities that seemed hard at the moment, were very good for his health, and made it so that he could enjoy day by day. 

Abigail and John agreed with Jake, they could relate to the stories and hardships that Jake dealt with. Abigail spoke up about how her sisters didn’t treat her well at home, and how she doesn’t have a great relationship with them. But joining in activities that her sisters and Abigail could do, we’re really good for her. She was able to relate to them, and she was able to go to have the relationship she’s always wanted. Since John could remember, his dog was his best friend. And having his dog alongside him was a lot more than a friendship. 

But when their energy levels and ability to concentrate in school became hard, he remembered what he did things for. His dog kept him out of unhealthy behaviors, and horrifying situations, and he was able to work and stride for his dog. 

It is important for parents, teachers, and other adults in a teenager’s life to be aware of the potential effects of trauma on a teenager’s growth and development. Providing support, such as access to therapy or counseling, can help teenagers who have experienced trauma to heal and to develop the skills and resilience they need to succeed in school and in life. 

Jake says  “I really wish I had the parents I wanted because they would’ve been able to understand the things I go through every day.” It is also important for adults to be understanding and patient, as it can take time for teenagers to overcome the effects of trauma and reach their full potential. 

“I know that I can be hard to deal with sometimes and I can spit at you with harsh emotions, but I wish you would know that I’m doing things too.” Abigail wishes to say these words to her parents one day. By providing support and understanding, adults can help teenagers who have experienced trauma to thrive in school and in life.