[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hey save troubled students at school, talk to people facing life challenges and listen to other’s struggles. Do these sound like the actions of a group of superheroes to you? These are actually just some of the things that our very own Peer Listeners do.
Founded in 1986 by Ms. Carmen Rey, the Peer Listeners Program focuses on helping students cope with serious life issues. Peer Listeners train every Wednesday after school to develop their listening and communication skills. After a year, students can earn the Red Shirt, which is the symbol of a qualified Peer Listener.
“Peer Listeners is a program that assists students with discovering who they are, and I feel that if you know who you are, you can help others,” Peer Listeners Facilitator Ms. Maria Ioele said. “There is a lot of self-analysis and discovering involved. I see growth and maturity in the students. They handle situations differently because they think before acting.”
Through activities and discussions in small groups lead by Ms. Rey, Ms. Susan Hook, Ms. Ioele and Ms. Kim Cales, Peers learn how to deal with issues such as stress, bullying, death and much more. Also, guest speakers assist in training Peers. That way Peers will understand how to apply their skills to certain circumstances. Last year, Peers had the opportunity to attend a live taping of “Dr. Phil” which allowed them observe psychological help and body language, which are major components to the program, along with communication, clarification, prevention assistance and mediation.
“Peer is a place where I can share my feelings without being afraid of being judged,” Peer Listener Senior David Tran said. “I’ve certainly learned not to judge people because they have a story you don’t understand. Getting to know someone and having a deep bond with them is a really unique feeling.”
Some other activities that these community superstars do are translating at major events like Back to School and Parent Teacher Conferences. Peers also organize Orange Ribbon Week which is before Prom, to promote smart choices. Their inconspicuous service is due to the program’s stress on confidentially, care and commitment. These silent superheroes on campus play a supportive role in our community because they believe that “Who you are makes a difference.”