King's Thanatology students bring Death Café to London high school
April 23, 2018
The Thanatology program at King’s organized a death café for high school students on Friday, April 13. About 40 students at H.B. Beal Secondary School, London, eagerly came to listen and ask questions of the King’s Thanatology students.
First, each of the five Thanatology students discussed how they became interested in Thanatology and what they have learned from the program.
“I got into Thanatology because I was exposed to many death and non-death losses at a young age. My experiences have allowed me to personally self-reflect on my purposes in life. With this self-reflection, I have turned my pain from my loss experiences into acceptance, resulting in carrying it more willingly and mindfully,” said Michaeline Falla, a fourth-year student completing a Double Major in Thanatology and Disability Studies, with a Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement Studies.
Next, there was a group discussion. Beal students were invited to ask any questions they had regarding grief and loss. The high school students led the discussion on topics such as end of life planning, suicide, and funeral services. “These were all topics that the secondary school students brought up on their own interest,” said Matt Simmons. Simmons is a King’s alumnus ‘17 (Double Major in Psychology and Sociology) who returned to King’s for a fifth year to complete a post-degree minor in Thanatology.
The group discussions were rewarding for the King’s students who were able to share their passion for Thanatology with the high school students.
The high school students enjoyed the freedom to discuss issues that are often seen as taboo in our society.