 |
 |
|
"Peer Buddy Program"
Amanda Wight
Monte Vista High School, Class of 2003
This was it. The knot in my stomach was real. This was high school. I definitely was
not ready. Of course, not knowing anything about my new school did not help.
Freshman orientation had been a joke. I learned little about my high school. I did
not know where my locker was or even where my classes were. I was alone against the
sophomores, juniors, and seniors, or so I felt.
Because of my horrible introduction to high school, I began to wonder what could be
done to improve the commencement for other freshmen. It was in the middle of my
sophomore year that I had a brilliant idea.
Why not start a program where experienced upper classmen lend a helping hand to
those younger students in need? I knew it was a great idea, but I had to put my plan
into action. With the help of two friends, the Peer Buddy Program at Monte Vista
High School began.
Juniors and seniors wishing to participate in the program fill out applications
stating why they want to help orient incoming freshman to high school life.
Approximately one hundred applicants then become members.
To raise money for the program, local supermarkets donated beverages to sell at
three graduations taking place at the high school. Program members worked at a car
wash. Parents of 8th graders and freshmen donated money, time, food, and support.
Monte Vista High continues to offer unending support.
In the week before school begins, I run the training camp where members learn to run
freshman orientation so information actually gets to the new students. On
Orientation Day, two Peer Buddies pair off with a group of ten freshmen, touring the
campus and answering questions about the school. When finished, the Peer Buddies
talk intimately with their freshmen about their high school experiences. There are
fun activities planned for the freshman and lists to share, such as ‘Ten Things I
Wish I Knew As A Freshman.’
Peer Buddies wear shirts that designate them as Peer Buddies for the first day of
school, allowing freshman to approach them with questions or comments without the
fear of hazing or rejection.
The students who pass through the Peer Buddy orientation have truly benefited from
what our program has accomplished. The teachers at school let us know that during
the first week of classes, limitless positive talk occurs about how much the
students loved freshman orientation and how they felt welcome and wanted in the high
school community.
Kicking off the year to a great start is only the beginning! The Peer Buddies get
personal information from their freshman, such as birthdays, and keep in contact
throughout the year. We continue to plan amazing activities for the freshman class
to continue to make their freshman experience a great one.
My little idea of improving freshman orientation turned into a program that the
entire school loves and appreciates, with unending support from the community, and
best of all, the freshmen. Knowing that my club, now in its third year, has made a
difference in freshmen high school experiences makes me extremely proud, and I know I created a wonderful thing that will continue to help even after I have left high
school.
· Click here to go back to the list of Fall Contest winners
|
|
|
 |
|
|
