As we approach graduation season and the transition of leadership among student leaders, many seniors begin to reflect on the vast and uncertain world awaiting them. High school has often provided a sense of safety and stability, and the prospect of stepping into college, career programs, or the workforce can feel overwhelming.
For some, this transition brings fear and uncertainty, revealing gaps in the lessons we’ve worked so hard to instill about resilience and preparedness. The story “I Can Sleep Through a Storm” offers a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and calmness in facing life’s challenges—skills that can help students navigate their personal storms with confidence.
Here is the story once again, with some practical ways they we may help our students weather their storms.
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A farmer once needed help on his land, so he placed an ad for a hired hand. Despite the beautiful location and steady work, there were few applicants. Finally, a thin, middle-aged man approached him. When asked about his skills, the man simply said, “I can sleep through a storm.”
Puzzled but desperate, the farmer hired him. The man proved diligent, completing every task with care. Days later, a fierce storm rolled in. The wind howled, and the farmer panicked. He rushed to check everything—the barn, the toolshed, the animals—but found everything securely in place. The animals were sheltered, the equipment stored, and the shutters fastened.
The hired hand was sound asleep.
At that moment, the farmer understood the man’s words: because he had prepared thoroughly, he could rest peacefully, knowing everything was in order.
Takeaways for Activities Directors
This story resonates with the work we do in schools. Whether it’s planning Homecoming, organizing a service project, or preparing students for leadership roles, the lesson is clear: preparation builds confidence and trust. By setting up systems, empowering students, and thinking ahead, we can “sleep through the storm” of challenges that inevitably arise.
How are you preparing your students to weather their storms—and maybe even help others do the same?
Here are five practical ways you can help students prepare to weather their storms, rooted in leadership, resilience, and personal growth:
1. Teach Problem-Solving Skills
Encourage students to break challenges into manageable steps.
Use real-world scenarios in activities or discussions to practice brainstorming solutions.
Empower them to think critically and creatively in finding resolutions.
2. Model and Promote Resilience
Share personal stories of overcoming setbacks to show that failure is part of growth.
Introduce techniques like mindfulness, stress management, and reframing challenges as opportunities.
Celebrate persistence and effort, not just success.
3. Provide Opportunities for Leadership
Assign roles that require responsibility, such as event planning or leading a team project.
Support them in navigating the unexpected, offering guidance when needed but allowing them to learn through experience.
Recognize their contributions and reflect on lessons learned after events.
4. Encourage a Supportive Community
Foster inclusivity by promoting team-building activities and creating safe spaces for open dialogue.
Teach peer support skills, such as active listening and empathy.
Build a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
5. Teach Time Management and Organization
Provide tools like planners, apps, or frameworks (e.g., SMART goals) to help them stay organized.
Emphasize the importance of preparation and deadlines in managing responsibilities.
Create systems to help them anticipate potential obstacles and plan accordingly.
By implementing these strategies, you can guide students to not only weather their own storms but also become a beacon of support and leadership for their peers.