Thank Goodness I'm Me (TGIM)

Thank Goodness I’m Me consists of 10 sessions, each with a topic that guides a discussion and activity. Session topics relate back to a program goal and include things like self-esteem, assertive communication, healthy friendships, leadership, and bystander intervention. T.G.I.M. meets once a week, typically during a study center or advisory period. 

Counselors select 8-10 students which usually includes a mix of students who are currently struggling in areas that the program addresses and established student leaders who can help co-create a group of belonging and positivity. Participants are likely to be but not limited to, students who are more likely to experience or be exposed to relational aggression and its adverse effects. This is most commonly girls and/or LGBTQ+ students, but T.G.I.M. is inclusive of students of all identities. 

T.G.I.M. can either be youth-led or adult facilitated. Upon request, HelpLine can provide training for high school students to facilitate groups for middle school students, as peer-to-peer education shows additional benefits for participants and teen facilitators. T.G.I.M. can be facilitated by HelpLine staff with a school employee present for support or train the trainer options will be offered in fall of 2025 for schools looking to implement independently. 

Thank Goodness I’m Me was originally created as Thank Goodness I’m Female (T.G.I.F) by a Buckeye Valley High School student in 2011. This student wanted to address the unique experiences that middle school girls were experiencing, specifically related to relational aggression. HelpLine recognizes that female students are not the only students to experience relational aggression. In fact, results from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System conducted by the CDC reveals that our LGBTQ+ students are more vulnerable to victimization.

In 2022, HelpLine began to rebrand the program to increase inclusivity and create a space of belonging for our most vulnerable students, as inclusivity has been identified as best practice in education. While the goals and a large portion of the content has remained the same, there have been a few updates made throughout the rebrand to remove gendered language and increase relevance. Our rebranding efforts, which included the program name shift, began in 2022 and will conclude in fall of 2025 to include gender neutral language, new and engaging activities, and relevant examples and prompts. High school training opportunities and train the trainer sessions will be available in 2025 with the completion of the rebrand.