@noni :I agree with your insights. School is a very stressful enviroment for adult learners-finances, pressure, fear of success, and the daily drama that is life. As a college Director, I often find that I am the one that students feel comfortable unloading their stress on. Apparently my role inludes part time psychiatrist!!!
It is very important to sometimes just listen or be a shoulder to cry on. I have also found that the calmer I am in these situations, the calmer the student becomes. It is almost like I am absorbing their stress, but it is important to not take it on. The sma approach applies to staff. If people feel that you genuinely care about them and are willing to listen, it can often diffuse difficult or stressful situations!!
