Wise words from Counsellor Ian Argent

Hello Class 5JW,

My name is Ian Argent. I'm also an old friend of Mr Watson. I love your class blog - it looks like you do some really interesting work, and have some fun too! I think it must be cool having Mr Watson as a teacher! What do you think?

I was really happy to see that you were all discussing the dangers of smoking a couple of weeks ago. In my work I meet with lots of people who are suffering from cancer. Some of them have been smokers in their life. Often, they are very sad and sorry that they have smoked, because it shortens their life so horribly.

When someone is ill, or even dying, it can be really upsetting for them, their friends, and family, too. That's where I come in - my job as a counsellor is about talking to people and helping them to share their feelings - sad, scared, angry, or whatever.

Although I like this part of my work, I can really see how dangerous smoking can be, and what can happen to people who smoke. Young people often make the mistake of thinking it's cool - but I have seen that lung cancer is really un-cool.

I'm really impressed that you've been debating this in such a mature way, and my congratulations on a very interesting blog.
I promise to keep looking in from time to time, and leave a comment too.

Best wishes to you all,

Ian