Tug-O-War Teens by Septimus Barrock provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of teenagers at an alternative high school for juvenile offenders, unveiling the stark realities they face daily. The narrative, guided by the author’s experiences as a teacher, highlights the challenges and adversities these teens encounter, from violent backgrounds and neglect to their struggles within the criminal justice system. Barrock uses vivid anecdotes to bring to life the complex world of these young individuals, who navigate between hope and despair in their fight for a better future.
The book not only exposes the harsh conditions that shape these teens’ lives but also offers a commentary on the broader societal and systemic issues that contribute to their circumstances. Through detailed descriptions of interactions in and out of the classroom, Barrock encourages empathy and understanding for these often misunderstood and overlooked youth. Tug-O-War Teens serves as a powerful call to action, urging society to adopt a more compassionate approach to helping troubled youth find their way in a world that has largely failed them.
About the author
Septimus Barrock had been an adjunct professor at Broward College and other academic institutions for over ten years and was a two-time nominee and finalist for the Adjunct Professor of the Year Award. He taught international relations to post-secondary students and English as a Second Language to foreign professionals who were endeavoring to build their English language proficiency as newly-arrived American residents. He also taught core academic subjects to high school students who had run afoul of the law and in need of guidance to help them refocus their lives. He has earned several college degrees including a BA in Urban Planning from Florida Atlantic University, an MA in Diplomacy from Norwich University and an M. Ed. in TESOL from Grand Canyon University where he is also pursuing a third Master’s degree in Foundations of Secondary Education.Mr. Barrock is passionate about helping people discover and utilize their inner strengths as a proven way to face and eventually overcome their challenges. He believes that whether credentialed or not, we are all teachers who have something valuable to add to the lives of our fellowmen. This is the reason why he has taken it as his personal mission to pursue the teaching profession. In his first book, ‘There is Always Room for one More Blessing’, Mr. Barrock provides a mental blueprint for daily living, and although this current book (title to be inserted here) chronicles his interactions with juvenile offenders in a school setting, over a number of years, he still appeals to the good nature in these ‘bad’ youths to embrace the possibility of hope. He believes that his experience working with prison inmates and young offenders in an alternative school has fortified his resolve to help others climb out of their physical and psychological pits. Septimus continues his journey as an educator; this time teaching English Language Development to high school students in the state of North Dakota.