Middle School Peer Helping Program

The students have taught me patience and have shown me humour, creativity, leadership and resilience; as well as Mrs. Blue being an amazing mentor. I see students taking up roles on their own that require them to be leaders to their peers, creating a positive and kind community and inspiring their classmates. In middle school, the grade 8 students will often lead stretches, or partner with younger students during art to help them through their work. I’ve been shown creativity within the students' projects, their own incredible drawings, or the way they think quickly on their feet during sports. I’ve been shown humour in light-hearted banter between students, their stories from home, and just in the way they interact with each other. They have shown resilience in doing something even when they really don’t feel like it (ie. sports), being patient with each other, and pushing themselves past discomfort in going out of their comfort zone in art. I’ve seen a lot of growth in the students with their listening skills, in being more open to change within themselves and pushing their boundaries to be better– not only in academics, but as people.  

Working with ever-changing humans, especially ones that look up to you for guidance in times, was kind of a challenging experience at first. I didn’t know how to fully relate to the kids yet or having the kids come to me for help.  It took a couple days, but the students warmed up to me. As I would encourage them, take notes from Mrs. Blue and try to apply those with the students, and just always try to be open for the students to come to me with any questions or help. With this, it taught me leadership in myself and how to adjust to each different personality and their needs, how to help them where they’re at and what’s best for them. But, with this age range, it didn't come to me naturally and I still find it challenging, but with a lot of guidance from Mrs. Blue, I am making it through. The students have taught me to work with what I have, be confident in my own skills and abilities to lead, and how best I can be a resource to these bright and growing minds. I love spending time with these students, and I love every time they find me around school and tell me about something that went on in their day. I love the feeling that I have had some part in creating a good community for these students to grow up in, and now I can never refuse when they come to me or ask their teacher to ask me if I’ll be in their class that day. I am and forever will be thankful for this opportunity. 

Thank you, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Blue, for making this possible.