By Alyson Showell LaPorta
Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School is nestled in Wissahickon Valley Park—a calm setting for a school doing thoughtful, hands-on work.
For the past five years, Inner Strength has partnered with Lankenau to bring mindfulness and social-emotional tools into the school. This past academic year, we were welcomed into the advisory blocks, where students engaged in art, discussion, reflection, and role-play around stress, relationships, and identity.
What we noticed most was that students showed up. Even when they were tired. Even when they didn’t quite know what to expect. They were honest, curious, and often far more insightful than what you might expect seeing sleepy faces at 7:45 AM. The self exploration and self regulation activities, coupled with mindful awareness and practices like breath and love & kindness gave students a way to explore and express themselves. While these students are bright and have aspirational goals they are intent on achieving, life can be challenging. That’s where our program comes in, to support and give them a place to be themselves and learn tools that will help them navigate a difficult time.
One of our former students, Tymeir McFadden—now a sophomore at Temple University—shared this about his experience during high school years learning with Inner Strength:
“During my time at Lankenau, I was going through a challenging period in my life. I was still coping with the impact of COVID, and on top of that, I had lost my home in a fire. These events deeply affected my mental health and, in turn, my performance in school. Participating in Inner Strength provided me with a safe and supportive space to express the emotions I was carrying, at a time when I felt like I had no one else to talk to.”
This work is about helping students build the skills they need to navigate life—and Lankenau makes space for that.
We’re looking forward to continuing the work together next year and seeing more bright and open hearted students like Tymeir blossom into their potential.
