One of the coolest things about Athenian is the incredible amount of power the students have. This year, senior student Sam Katz had a brilliant idea, and he is now bringing it to help. This program is called Peer Resource, and it provides counseling by students, for students. Although our school counselor, Barbara Carlino, is an incredible resource for all the students, it is often times easier for teenagers to relate to other teenagers. Barbara is still available, of course, for any student who needs her, but the new Peer Resource program is accessible for even more support. I and 12 other students, ranging all the way from 9th to 12th grade, each applied and volunteered to become a Peer Resource. Once Barbara and Sam had reviewed our applications, we were chosen and then attended a four hour training session on a Saturday. We were taught about confidentiality laws, active listening, and mediating group discussions. During this training, there were many opportunities to role play these types of situations so we could get a feel for what it is really like.
While Barbara assists and advises the program, it is mostly lead by Sam and it builds off the input of other students form inside and outside of it. Personally, I have interest in being a therapist when I grow up. Having Sam develop this program, beginning with simply an idea, has given me such a great opportunity to see what that profession is really like. I am thoroughly impressed by not only Sam’s leadership, but the dedication and enthusiasm of the other students in this program. At our monthly lunch meetings, no one is ever afraid to ask questions, and as this is the first time this program has been done, no one is afraid to offer improvements. The Peer Resource program exemplifies the support, dedication, and entrepreneurship I see in so many Athenian students, and I am so excited to be a part of it.
