At the start of the school year, I facilitated the Journey Markers workshop for a group of mental health specialists as part of a staff development session. I chose this workshop as a way for them to reflect on their paths in the mental health field, especially with supporting students who have experienced trauma. It served both as a way to set personal and professional goals and as an opportunity to practice an activity they could later use with their own students.

During the workshop, each participant created a personal bookmark as a symbol of who they aspired to be in the coming year. After creating, they  paired up to share their journeys with a table mate, exploring the meanings behind their designs, and we also took time to reflect as a larger group. 

As participants shared their thoughts, ideas sparked about how to extend this exercise to the students they support. Some envisioned using the bookmarks during student intakes, and others thought it would be a powerful addition to assessment sessions. 

The participants expressed that the activity was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their goals and connect with one another. For many, it also provided a sense of self-care, a way to pause and unwind in the midst of their demanding roles.