Matthew Talley

It surprised me that a lot of people have been sexually abused. It also surprised me that other people suffer from learning disorders. It surprised me that people in my health class have suicidal thoughts.

I didn't really think being sexually abused was a problem. But now I think it is. I think it is good that my health class is talking about this because if we didn't talk about it, these people would probably not say "hey look I've got a problem, can you help me with it?" I know there are laws against sexual abuse and I am surprised that people don't follow these laws.

I know that ten percent of the kids in the United States have learning disorders. But most of the time in school I feel like I am the only person suffering from a learning disorder. But now I know that there is more than one of us in this class.

I have a friend who has had suicidal thoughts, but I didn't realize how common it was. I think this is another good thing for the health class to talk about because we need to unbury these feelings. This class may help these thoughts subside, or might help them get help.

Sexual abuse, learning disorders, and suicidal thoughts were all surprising to me. I think it might be good for us to talk about all three of these. I think that talking about these issues will make them less stressful. And it will make people feel like they are not alone in the world.