A Cautionary Tale
On the surface, teaching looks easy, but there are daily complexities and occasional hidden hazards that educators will need to navigate along the arc of their unfolding careers.
Crystal for example was brilliant, quick witted, uninhibited and intellectually engaging, she was such a great student to have in class. But somewhere along the path of her genius, she tripped and fell hard into the drug scene on the periphery of her schooling. She began to disappear from her classrooms and slid into missing days and weeks of school. (Real names have been changed to protect privacy.)
Following a long absence, it was good to see her back at school but on her 4th day back she popped into the doorway signing out: “I love you Toby!” as though she was starring in a high school musical. Class had just begun and all heads turned my way as if they were asking: “Oooo, what’s that all about?”
She was flying very high, on a drug called MDMA, ecstasy [as I was later told]. I’d never seen her happier nor more empowered. She could have successfully pitched venture capitalists for a new start up. There was nothing beyond her reach.
This was a teachable moment and since teachers are held to the highest standards, it was important to shine a light upon this ambiguity. I wanted my students to know there was a professional in the room, no need to worry. I turned to the class and asked: “Is she okay?”
She soon disappeared from school. What a giant loss, her intellectual gifts. I hope she found a way back. I wonder what ever hapenned to her?.
3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions).How does MDMA affect the brain?
MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals:
- Dopamine—produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors
- Norepinephrine—increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems
- Serotonin—affects mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.
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