When I entered Hoban as a freshman, I admired the seniors who led the way and knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps of leadership and responsibility as I grew at The Castle. By my junior year, I had the chance to step into that role by becoming a Hoban Peer Mentor.
I always looked forward to seeing my name on the rotation list, knowing I’d get the chance to connect with underclassmen, help counselors with lesson plans during class, and offer advice to students navigating the ever-changing path of high school.
The Peer Mentoring program is led by two of our dedicated faculty members, Mrs. Katie Surface and Ms. Jennifer Spiker. In a recent interview with Spiker, I learned that she and Surface plan to expand the program into an even bigger and better buddy system. Already a peer mentor myself, I was excited to hear about the new ideas. “What I’m hoping is that peer mentoring will become more like a big brother/big sister type of group. Hopefully, this will strengthen student-to-student relationships throughout the school,” Spiker said.
Spiker aims to hold monthly meetings on the third Wednesday, introducing new activities while continuing traditions like the choice lesson. “It really works when upperclassmen can talk to their underclassmen peers about making smart decisions. This also gives the younger students a friendly face to turn to,” she explained.
Having completed a year of peer mentoring, I’ve enjoyed the experience. My co-writer, Alexandra Lagos (Bella), is a new member of the program and shared her thoughts about the excitement of joining the Hoban Peer Mentors and her desire to make a difference for underclassmen.
Entering this school year, I was nervous about the responsibilities I took on as a new peer mentor. Thankfully, those nerves were eased by the warm welcome I received at the first meeting.
At that meeting, Surface and Spiker explained how they train all peer mentors to be effective listeners by emphasizing the importance of valuing and respecting others’ thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters meaningful discussions and helps build strong connections among the Hoban family.
Hoban Peer Mentors make the most of their monthly visits, using class time for activities that engage both students and mentors. These meetings promote open communication, helping students feel more comfortable actively participating in class and other school activities. “Kids simply get more out of it when they can relate to someone their own age,” Spiker said. Having students as mentors instead of staff members allows for more relatable interactions between mentors and mentees, even across different grade levels.
The Hoban Peer Mentors work hard to ensure every student feels welcomed and valued. With their relatable guidance, they contribute to a positive, inclusive atmosphere at Hoban, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among the students.
