A student at Ryerson University in Toronto, Teja Peltomaa is working to complete a bachelor of social work. Committed to addressing issues of inequality and racism, Teja Peltomaa also engages in volunteer activities with Kids Help Phone, providing text-based counseling support.
Responding to situations of emotional crisis, volunteers with the Canadian nonprofit emphasize building trust and rapport through confidentiality and a non-judgmental attitude. Relating to those whom they help, volunteers provide thoughtful, non-scripted advice and support to people dealing with issues ranging from anxiety to relationship challenges.
One question and response explored on the Kids Help Phone website is “What do I need to do to be comfortable with who I am?” This question came from a girl who felt that she had no direction in what she should be doing with her life and that others’ expectations led her to feel that she was “hiding everything.” Not wanting to be an outcast, she could not find a ready way of conforming to what she perceived others wanted and felt peer pressure about outward attributes such as having short hair.
The counselor answered that it can often be confusing to find a balance between authenticity, or one’s real self, and what is socially accepted. With opinions on behaviors outside the perceived norm often being given without thought and creating unintentionally deep wounds, the counselor said the key is to find ways of expressing yourself in a way that feels right, and being okay if others don’t accept everything about you.
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