By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Four Points Middle School hosted Chalk the Walk, Messages of Hope on September 25 for Suicide Prevention Month last month. 

“We want to promote positive coping skills for students and just positive messages of hope that keep them going,” said Heather Robinson, FPMS counselor sub. Students designed positive messages that would be encouraging and give hope to others. “Our hope is that this really lifts other people up.”

“My message is whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone,” said Celina Rosas, FPMS student. “I chose this one because I think it’s better than saying ‘just be happy’ or ‘be positive’. Because when you’re telling someone ‘be happy’, it doesn’t really reach them… you’re just telling someone don’t feel the way you’re feeling. You are not alone, I feel like, it’s more powerful because you’re telling someone there are other people who feel the way you do and there’s other people who like you and there’s other people you can fit in with.”

“Well, me and my friend, we really like flowers and my friend really wanted to do something with a bee, because she really likes bees, so we decided on something that’d be kind of corny, but also inspiring so we decided ‘don’t worry, bee happy’,” said Arseniia Kobzeva, FPMS student. “You might not know what people are going through, and if they see something, even if it might be corny, it can cheer up their day.”

“For Suicide Awareness Month, I think people just need to be calm and kind,” said Ryan Mohan, FPMS student. “I think it’s a very good message for those who need help… Whatever you’re going through, you need to calm down. And you never know if people are having a bad day, so you should be kind.”