Developmental Relationships

By Steve O’Hearn, Transitional Youth Worker, Bridging the Gap Program I often reflect on my high school experience, whether it be the social circles, the extracurriculars, or the stressors of navigating the world as a teenager. I still remember, quite clearly, my first day of grade 9. It was the first time I had taken public transportation by myself and the first time I had to wear a uniform for school. Inevitably that first week of high school shaped a lot of the friendships I cherish to this day. I joined school sports teams and enjoyed social activities because of the friends I made. These relationships influenced my experience of high school, some of them positive, and others negative. When I see friends now so many years later, it is amazing how often we reminisce the good times we had in high school. Now imagine navigating grade 9 during a pandemic, in a primarily virtual world; no school bus chatter, no gym class or lunch times to feel connected, no face-to-face interactions....