Peer Counseling is a relatively new club on campus that provides support for the student community. Peer counselors trained by Mr.Prinz help students with conflicts that occur at their school, at home, or in their community. Students can access peer counselors by filling out a blue form from the counselors’ office. Peer counseling is affiliated with Challenge day which is a full-day event hosted by Challenge Day leaders that engage students in activities that encourages the ideas of compassion and positive change. El estoque talked to peer counseling president Glory Jain about the influence of the club.

EE: What is the main goal of Peer Counseling?

Glory Jain: Challenge Day is one day during the year where you can feel close to your classmates. Peer Counseling is an extension of [Challenge Day] because we try to promote this feeling year-round.

EE: What major events did Peer Counseling hold last year?

GJ: We had a compliment campaign where we had a tree set up and people could write compliments and hang it up on the tree. We even had lollipops that we gave during 5th period. We have had seminars about academic stress and invited a professional, a working psychologist for students and parents. We had many [meetings] spread over the year that involved close knit discussions.

EE: What happens during peer counseling sessions?

GJ: We mimic Challenge Day, such as what red flags are and scenarios such as if you were not in that situation how would you deal with it. Peer Counseling is a relatively new program but if any student needs it, its always there. We’ve had students who weren’t able to fit in so easily, and they would come to our club and found the support that they needed.

EE: What other major events can we look forward to this year?

GJ: This year, we want to expand to expand Peer Counseling and include more campaigns. During finals week, we will send out random compliments, have goodie bags, bubble wrap and other random acts of kindness that we hope can help the students de-stress during finals week.

EE: What is one quality of this club that will positively affect our community?

GJ: I was new to the club last year. When I first walked in, I had no idea what it was about. I remember when I walked in unsurely and I saw our former president, Simone Becker, and she was so open and so inviting and so friendly. The members and officers of the club are extremely close-knit and welcoming. And I think that’s what Peer Counseling is best at. Being a family.

The next peer counseling meeting will be held on Thursday at lunch in room A201.