Peer Counseling allows upperclassmen to come together and support one another, whether by talking about the things going on in each other’s lives that they may be struggling with, or just spending some time with brothers in a supportive environment.
The exclusivity of Peer Counseling allows for students to connect on a more relatable, personal level. Providing mature and honest feedback, as well as indulging in vulnerable conversation topics, Peer Counseling allows upperclassmen to take a moment out of their day to connect with friends and converse.
Upperclassmen can find a place where they can feel safe expressing themselves and reach out for guidance, while in return providing helpful insight and aid to their fellow Fords.
Numerous upperclassmen consistently attend meetings. Many enjoy it and find that Peer Counseling is beneficial and effective in forming connections with their peers.
According to Fifth Former Evan Tsiaras, “Peer Counseling is great. It allows for students to connect on a deeper level.”
With its strong student body support, why hasn’t Peer Counseling been offered to underclassmen?
While Peer Counseling provides a place where students can feel comfortable talking about uncomfortable topics, I believe that aspect of discomfort may cause underclassmen to not uphold the virtues needed in Peer Counseling Meetings.
With a sense of trust and belief in the Honor Code, brothers in Peer Counseling feel free to speak about whatever they’d like, without fear of it being spoken about outside of the Peer Counseling session.
“It’s a privilege that needs to be earned over a certain amount of time.”
Adon Gross ’24
Sixth Former Adon Gross feels that only upperclassmen should be allowed to attend meetings. He believes that with age comes a maturity necessary for the program’s success.
“[Underclassmen] could easily take it as a joke and not care about the kind of Honor Code with it, ” Gross said. “It’s a privilege that needs to be earned over a certain amount of time, and I think those two years before joining is a good amount of time.”
Evan Tsiaras agrees. “As an underclassmen, you are not mature enough,” Tsiaras said. “You need to be mature enough to be able to listen and take it seriously.” Underclassmen will eventually have their time to be a part of Peer Counseling, and according to Tsiaras, “the wait allows for a better relationship.”
Peer Counseling is a space where maturity and trust are needed to conduct productive meetings. In my opinion, inviting students at a younger age puts these virtues at risk. I trust my peers more knowing they have the necessary maturity and respect for my feelings.
Peer Counseling is a privilege, and as such it creates incentive for eager underclassmen to want to earn it. But I do not think underclassmen should be allowed to attend Peer Counseling meetings until they have the maturity and understanding that comes with time.
