Carlmont High School
SOS Program
What is SOS...
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What is SOS...title
SOS is an award winning program that includes but is not limited to individual Counseling, Parent Meetings, Suicide Assessment and Referrals, as well as Freshman Psychoeducational presentations addressing:
- Alcohol, tobacco & drug abuse
- Bullying prevention & awareness
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem
- Conflict Mediation
- Academic Stress
- LBGTQ
- Sexual assault prevention
- Eating disorders
- Suicide and depression
- Grief
- Healthy relationships
- Hate crimes
- Child abuse
- Individual/group counseling
- Alternative to Suspension
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT:
SOS is a leadership program that is largely student led. Student leaders present to the Carlmont student body as well as to other schools in the community. Additionally, SOS student leaders run conflict mediation between students on campus and presentations to the freshman students through their life skills class.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
“Busta you taught me that I am much stronger then I think I am. Thank you for never giving up on me!”
“Thank you so much, I am really going to miss coming to you to escape from stress and the world! I am forever grateful for your help as I was struggling with depression.”
“You really helped me see the potential I had and that I was not worthless. You’ve changed my life and touched my heart like nobody else. I could never thank you enough.”
“Knowing an adult who is not related to me, that sees me as worthy, means more than you will ever know. You are like a mom to me!”
“Family is not about blood, it is about who will hold your hand when you need it most.”
"Shelley Bustamante, who we lovingly call “Busta”, is one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to know. She helped me through a time when I felt more alone than I ever had before. Busta helped me deal with issues resulting from abuse and neglect I suffered as a child. She helped color my world a few shades brighter than it was before. I can honestly say that I would probably not still be here today if it were not for Mrs. Bustamante. Through the SOS program she gave me hope and purpose. After she helped me through the various stages of recovery she had me help others through mediations and presentations. This helped me gain confidence and taught me worthwhile life lessons. I will never forget what a great influence she has been in my life and in the lives of all students who interact with her."
"In regards to SOS, Shelley encouraged my friend Katie and I to develop a presentation pertaining to self esteem and present it to the Freshmen class as part of their transition program. Through this process, we were able to both provide a successful presentation as well as develop our own self esteem. This helped me to become the person I am today. Our presentation was so successful we were asked by middle schools nearby (Tierra Linda, Ralston) to present to their students, which was amazing."
"Shelley Bustamante has heavily impacted my life in more ways than I can count. I can honestly say I would not be alive today without her. When I first met Shelley I was damaged and alone. I had just seen her SOS students give a presentation on depression, and immediately recognized some of the signs and symptoms within myself. I was sent in to see Shelley and that absolutely changed my life. Coming from a family and culture that didn't recognize mental illness, Shelley was the first person in my life to give me support and validation for my anxiety and depression. She persistently tried to work with my mother in helping her acknowledge my depression. Despite my mother's unrelenting push back, Shelley never gave up. During the hardest point in my life, my junior year at Carlmont, Shelley continued to guide me through the daily struggles I faced internally and towards the outside world. I would not be here today without her. Plain and simple."
"During my senior year, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian cancer. I had never suffered any family illness’ prior to that experience. I had no idea how to handle the emotions I was feeling, and Shelley was there for me. She counseled me on what to expect, how to handle my emotions, and gave me people I could confide in. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to stay on track and apply to college because I was so upset, but Shelley motivated me and was there whenever I needed a pair of ears to just listen. I will forever be grateful to her for her support."
"Shelley Bustamante was and still is a huge impact in my life. I am a very introverted private person. It wasn't until I met Shelley that I learned if I open up to people, good things can happen. Being a part of SOS was the start to my career. Being part of SOS showed me how much I love educating others, which is why I am working towards a career as a Health Education Teacher. This way I am able to partake in SOS everyday. It was also the SOS material that made me choose to get my Bachelors in Psychology. I strive to make my future students feel as validated and supported as Shelley made me feel! She is a true gem!"