Mixed Feelings

I'm still on the fence about this one... I have to admit, I have yet to read this article in its entirety. When I do I will find the time to repost a response. In the meantime, here's a few thoughts:

THE LEAP - by Jesse Green

Moving, well written, and incredibly heartfelt.

A revealing look into a terrible event, and the tragic consequences.

To those accusing the mother, the school, the teachers - shame on them.

Nobody knows what drives people to take their lives, and none of us have the right to claim to understand what happened.

However, as a former student of the Dalton School and a graduate from another NYC private school, I feel confident in saying that the pressure put on students these days is unfair and often unbearable. For someone struggling with personal or psychological issues, I can only imagine how much more torturous living up to the expected standards must have been. It's a shame that Teddy got to a point - no matter what the reason or catalyst - where he felt there was no other solution than killing himself.

Hopefully parents, teachers, administrators and friends will learn from this terrible incident, and might be more likely to acknowledge a loved one in need of help and support.