Unloading 101: Students show vulnerability

Omaha Street School launches HUDL program
Posted: 12:35 PM, Apr 19, 2018
Updated: 2018-04-20 08:28:48-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - When a football comes a student's way at Omaha Street School, they should be ready for the toss.

With the catch comes a loaded question.

Charles Wilson, director of community relations, is asking a handful of students and adults what gives them anxiety.

Once a week for an hour, students at the alternative faith-based high school are encouraged - never forced - to unload, Wilson said.

HUDL is basically a support group for students who just want to get stuff off their chests, Wilson said.

HUDL stands for honesty, understanding, desire and light. 

The street school began offering the program last fall, Wilson said. However, not everyone is ready to jump first and be vulnerable.

"It hasn't been a walk in the park, but it's been like laid back because I've been able to come in here and talk about what's going on in my life," said Lacee Barnes, 17, a junior.

It's more like getting things off your mind if you got too much on your mind or if anything is going on at home, said Jesus Flores, 17, also a junior.

A lot of times, Wilson said, students use the meetings to reflect on circumstances that landed them at the school. 

But it's not just the students who share, staff do as well, he said.

Some students think the two-way conversation is part of the reason why HUDL is still going strong. The school told 3 News Now its even considering whether it should expand the program.

It shows, Flores said, that the school cares.