In an effort to learn the lesson of letting go of everyday struggles, each student in Alison Thornton’s English 4 class released a balloon to visually represent breaking the chains of their personal conflicts.

“The purpose of the release was for my kids to feel free,” Thornton said. “I wanted them to get rid of their fear and daily demands, if only for a moment.”

Each student noted a specific message on his or her balloon.

“I told my students to write on their balloons, ‘Dear (name), as of today, (date), I am a brand new person and I will NEVER allow my chains to hold me down,’” Thornton said. “I wanted them to say loudly and proudly that they are no longer the same person.”

Upon hearing about the lesson, senior Cian Haynes expressed doubt.

“My thoughts when I was first told about this project (were) that it wasn’t going to help and was just a waste of time, but I honestly ended up loving the project,” she said. “It helped me let go of a lot of hate and self doubt; I was able to let my guard down.”

Senior Uzoma Okere appreciated the project.

“At first I felt it was ridiculous writing my fears on a balloon but in the end, I felt a great sense of relief,” Okere said. “My fears were lifted from my shoulders.”

Thornton, who bought the supplies with her own money, said the assignment was fulfilling.

“Watching my students release their balloons was incredible,” she said. “ I felt joy for my students because every single one of them had a huge smile on their face.”

Haynes said she noticed instant changes in herself and her peers.

“I believe it allowed us to overcome any obstacles we have been facing,” she said. “It helped me to forgive myself and those who hurt me in the past.”

Okere enjoyed the activity, which allowed them to go outdoors.

“The project was a fun and creative way to overcome the fears holding us back from achieving our goals,” he said.

Thornton said she wants her students to remember the feeling of freedom when they continue with their futures.

“I want to prepare them for life, build their confidence and help them find their purpose in life,” she said. “In that moment, my students were a team, celebrating each other in their victory and I could not have been more excited for them.”