"Best Week Ever"
by Vorfeed

In the days before Breaking Down the Walls, students and teachers alike tried to guess what the program involved. Most believed it was brought to Post Falls as a result of the rising tension between straight and gay students. Some straight students became resentful of the program even before its commencement, stating that they would refuse to participate if they would be forced to accept homosexuality. Even more students and teachers were skeptical, recognizing this premature antagonism and anticipating a backlash; they also criticized the cost of the program.

Several days before the program began, a list of student leaders was posted. Rumor was that these students were picked by teachers and approved by administrators for their leadership skills and their uniqueness. While most of the students on the list had indeed previously demonstrated leadership (most were involved in many other extracurriculars), there was a severe lacking of "unique" individuals. This added to the resentment against the program, as many self-proclaimed "unique" students felt offended at the choices made for leaders.

Tuesday, December 7, the first day of the program came, and the first 170 students filtered into the Arena during first period, not knowing what to expect. Sitting in the bleachers, the program's presenter, Stu Cabe, an outgoing, likeable, charismatic man, gave an overview of the program (1). Then students, teachers, and administrators descended to the gym floor to participate in some friendship and trust-building games. Everyone had a role in the games, and while a few students were heard complaining about the program, most were thorougly enjoying the activities.

After the first wave of activities, students were dismissed for lunch, which was held between the normal first and second lunches. Students participating in Breaking Down the Walls were treated to free cafeteria meals, which to some was a blessing, and to others, a disappointment (it was, after all, cafeteria food). Many students noticed that once everyone left the Arena, the unconditional camaraderie disappeared, and students ate lunch with their usual friends. While this was disappointing, there were still several hours left in the program.

After lunch, participants once again gathered in the bleachers to focus their attention on the program. After some more games, which were done sitting down, everyone once again moved to the gym floor to play a game called "Crossing the Line." According to many students, this was the most revealing, and also the most attitude-changing part of the day. Everyone stood in one line across the gym floor, and Stu, the program leader, went over the rules of the "game." He was to ask a series of questions, all which could be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." The participants who answered "yes" to a particular question were to step forward onto a new line. Those who answered "no" or did not feel comfortable answering "yes" stayed in the main line. Everyone was to remain absolutely silent, and no one was to attempt to influence the decisions of others. Although there were a few isolated problems, most participants followed these rules superbly.

The questions asked ranged from trivial ("Do you consider yourself a good kisser?") to inquisitive ("Do you or anyone you love idenfity as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender?") to serious ("Have you ever attempted suicide?"). On each question, there were people who crossed the line to answer "yes," and this came as a great shock to most. Many were even surprised by the revelations made by their close friends. During some of the more emotional questions, some students broke down into tears and were comforted by people they did not even know. At the end of the fifty-something questions, everyone gathered in the center of the Arena to discuss the activity. Stu explained that the purpose of the "game" was to show that no one is alone; each and every person in the school, even staff members, has problems of his or her own. No matter how ostracized some may feel, there are always those who share their goals and anxieties. Participants were instructed to clap their hands together as hard as they could, leaving their palms stinging. They were then asked to say "I'm sorry" to their hands, and notice how the apology did nothing to take away the stinging. Everyone came to the realization that to insult or degrade another person, even in so-called "jest," is to give him or her a lifelong scar, and over time these tiny scars can build up and cause a breakdown.

To pick the program back up on a lighter note, the finale involved participants writing sticky compliments to each other. Anything could be written on the notes, and they could even be anonymous, just as long as the words written were positive. Many got notes from complete strangers, and the nice comments given caused some students to become emotional and shed tears of relief or happiness knowing that there was at least one person who was thinking positively of them.

The downside to the entire program was the ending; at the end of the day, everyone filtered out of the Arena and joined the rest of the school. After three days of "breaking down walls," the cliques and insults remained. However, while for the most part, the school's social atmosphere remained the same, one can hope and believe that the program had an effect on at least a few students. If elminating even one negative comment about someone a day is possible, progress has been made. While only around 500 students and staff members participated this time around, others were assured that they would be allowed to participate in future years. One can only hope that this statement is true, as the program was indeed an enlightening experience for most.

Participating members of the Post Falls Uncensored forum were grateful for the experience. "Leviton" said, "I thought (the program) was really great. I hope that it has some sort of permanent effect on our school." "snickerz2005" remarked, "I really wish that everybody in the school could have gone because then it would have made an even bigger impact on our school." "kaseyO" was not able to attend, but she had a possible explanation for the attitudes of those who thought that the program was taken "too seriously": "I think maybe some people were just uncomfortable with facing the reality that life isn't always full of warm fuzziness- that sometimes people have problems." She then remarked that "they at least learned something" from the program (2).

The official Breaking Down the Walls website, run by Learning for Living, Inc., states that the program is in response to the fact that despite growing high school campus populations, more and more students have been feeling isolated and alone. "Breaking Down the Walls is a powerful program of communication that creates a unique environment of self learning, guiding students through a series of awareness activities that combat the overwhelming feeling of being alone. By working with a cross section of their peers, students learn that they are not isolated from, but rather a part of a culture that need each other to truly be successful. Along the way, students discover the power and the freedom of getting to know one another" (3).

Even though the positive effects of Breaking Down the Walls may not immediately be noticable on the Post Falls High School campus, with each new student completing the program, change is sure to come. After all the activities and discussions have ended, it is ultimately up to each student and staff member to make the choices that will affect the lives of others. If even one person is spared from depression and torment, then the program will have been a success.

Sources
1) http://www.cdapress.com/articles/2004/12/09/news/news05.txt
2) http://com4.runboard.com/bpostfallsuncensored.fschoolissues.t8
3) http://www.learningforlivinginc.com/breakingwalls.htm