Workshop Wednesdays are held during quarterly breaks in John Jay High School’s academic schedule. They aim to provide creative resets and positive career conversations, and are led by teachers and community members.
One recent session stood out for its serious nature, capacity crowds and relatable young presenter: “My Story of Addiction and the Road to Recovery” with Ryan Pollitt, John Jay Class of 2021.
Ryan’s visit was coordinated by Samantha Wagner, the high school’s student assistance counselor. She looks for ways to prevent substance use among students, as well as raise awareness and provide support and skills for healthy behaviors.
“I am a drug addict and an alcoholic,” Pollitt declared. “I’ve been sober for two years.”
He recounted his downward spiral, which began by drinking before school as a freshman, and continuing as the opportunity arose during the school day. “I passed out in Spanish,” he recalled. “I blacked out during Wilderness and had to be wheeled out of the classroom. I lied. I was drug tested. The school let me graduate only because I signed up for a detox program.”
He continued, “I was super nervous about what people thought of me. I was the new kid. I transferred into John Jay right before my freshman year. I was looking for attention but hated attention. I was messed up.”
Pollitt said his use reached a crisis point as a freshman in college. He was smoking crack laced with fentanyl, weighed only 120 pounds, and turning yellow from an ailing liver. “I had a blowout fight with my family,” he shared. “My choices were jail, an institution or death. I didn’t want any of them.”
Pollitt entered an inpatient substance use treatment program, then moved to a specialized residence called Sober Living for individuals in recovery. “Those seven months changed my life.” He had been through multiple treatment programs before. This time, it was different.
Pollitt now works as manager for a landscaping crew. He shares his story at prisons and schools.
“I know you think you are invincible,” Pollitt said to the students, “but you are not. Fentanyl is in everything. It’s hard to stay away from it. Be safe.”
Ryan spoke to more than 50 students in three different Workshop Wednesday sessions.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback from Ryan’s visit, from both students and faculty,” said Wagner. “Hearing from someone who attended the same school and graduated just a few years ago helps them understand the difficulties some of their peers may be experiencing.”
As she walked with Ryan to one of his presentations, teachers and monitors stopped him in the hallway to hug him. “You look good. It’s so good to see you,” he heard from staff members who stopped to greet him.