Checking In: Peer Leadership Program
With all of the changes and challenges of the fall semester due to COVID-19, one of the programs that has had to adjust has been the Peer Leadership program. The Peer Leadership program is a staple of the Wesleyan high school experience and is a valuable support system for freshmen as they begin their high school career.
The program places every freshman into a group where they are paired with two senior leaders that act as mentors for their first year of high school.
Pear Leadership groups meet once a week to talk about life in high school and to go through planned activities and games. Along with many others this semester, the peer leaders have had to adjust the way they would typically lead their groups. We asked a few peer leaders how the fall semester has been, and how they have kept their groups engaged while handling all the changes.
How have you kept your peer group engaged while either being virtual yourself or having members of your group go virtual?
Alyssa Phillip: “As a person who is virtual, Jacob (my peer leadership partner) has done a really great job of making sure I stay included in the activities they are doing. For example, he places the computer I am on in the middle of the room which allows me to explain what we have planned for the day so the kids can hear me and I still can be a part of what’s going on.”
Harrison Leath: “I was actually virtual for our first-ever peer group. Riley (my peer leadership partner) Face-Timed me in, and I had a chance to talk to each kid individually. Since then, we have taken measures to make sure that any kid who is virtual still has a great experience. We set up a Microsoft Teams link that the kids can join in from home, and we try to structure activities so that the virtual kids can fully participate. We plan to bring in a classroom iPad whenever we have a student online. Leading the discussion with intentionality helps make sure each student is called on, and playing games that the virtual kids can enjoy is fundamental to making the online experience as fun as possible.”
Harrison Leath: “I was actually virtual for our first-ever peer group. Riley (my peer leadership partner) Face-Timed me in, and I had a chance to talk to each kid individually. Since then, we have taken measures to make sure that any kid who is virtual still has a great experience. We set up a Microsoft Teams link that the kids can join in from home, and we try to structure activities so that the virtual kids can fully participate. We plan to bring in a classroom iPad whenever we have a student online. Leading the discussion with intentionality helps make sure each student is called on, and playing games that the virtual kids can enjoy is fundamental to making the online experience as fun as possible.”
Riley Keller: “So far, Harrison Leath and I’s peer group has been fully in person. We have been very fortunate to have had 100% of everyone in class which has made the process smooth. Despite everyone in the group being in person, the first time we met the kids in the peer group “reveal scavenger hunt” Harrison was unfortunately quarantining. Even though Harrison was not there, he helped a ton by supporting me and doing some behind the scenes work. We revealed Harrison to the group by Face-Timing him! The kids weren’t expecting it, and it was awesome. Harrison was able to see the kids through Face Time, say hello, and express how excited we are.”
What has been challenging about being a peer leader, and what do you think you have learned so far about being a leader?
Alyssa Phillip: The challenging piece of being a peer leader this year is how different things are and how we have to adjust a lot of what we do in peer leadership to fit the new schedule and all the COVID restrictions. I have learned that in order to get our kids to be excited about an activity or be vulnerable my partner and I have to be willing to be the first ones to be vulnerable or come in with high energy about the activity.
Harrison Leath: “The hardest part about being a peer leader is the mental stamina it requires. You are called to be a leader in and out of peer groups, inside and outside of school, and during sports. It can be difficult on days when you are feeling down or discouraged to fully invest in the people around you. Being a peer leader requires the intentional attitude that you are willing to put the people around you before yourself every day. Through peer leadership, I have learned that the best people lead by example. As a leader, you have the most authority in the room, so it becomes your responsibility to model how you want the students to treat each other, how the culture of your group is created, and how engaged the students are. By fully investing in the process yourself, you open the door for your kids to do the same.”
Jacob Price: “I think that one of the biggest challenges has been having to work through the countless unknowns that come with this year. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and anxious with everything, but I’ve learned that it’s important to be patient and be able to adapt to all the changes this year.”
Anything you would like to add about being a part of the peer leadership program?
Alyssa Phillip: I love being a peer leader even though things have had change because of COVID-19. I am so glad to bond with my kids and create a fun “family” dynamic with the kids and Jacob!
Harrison Leath: I absolutely love the peer leadership program! I highly encourage anyone who is interested to apply. When I was a freshman, I had an amazing senior class who showed me what role models should look like. Being a peer leader requires you to step out of your comfort zone, but in doing so, allows you to grow so much as a person. I am thankful for the experiences I have had so far through peer leadership, and I am very excited to see where it goes for the rest of the year.
Jacob Price: Even with all of the obstacles this school year, I am so extremely excited about spending more time with my group. There is something so special about getting the opportunity to form relationships with people who I would not normally get the chance to talk to let alone hang out with otherwise.
Riley Keller: Though this year of peer leadership has looked different, I am grateful to experience these curveballs because they help me become more flexible and open to taking on challenges with a new confidence and leadership.
Riley Keller: Though this year of peer leadership has looked different, I am grateful to experience these curveballs because they help me become more flexible and open to taking on challenges with a new confidence and leadership.
