Student Advisors Lead From <br>Behind the Scenes

The Student Advisor program at Rivers is giving students a voice. Consisting of six to eight faculty-selected seniors, the Student Advisors is a unique group. They work behind the scenes to be leaders of the school. They represent the Rivers experience as they talk with faculty, students and parents to try to present the student perspective.

The program, which was started three years ago, works to promote open, constructive communication between and among students, faculty and parents around topics that relate to Rivers life.

The group has no set agenda, and instead tackles whatever issues the members feel are most important to the school. Having the faculty's respect along with being empowered to be good role models and citizens allows the Student Advisors to affect school culture.

"I think that by having a group of seniors who are a trusted voice, we can begin to bridge the gap between the adolescent's actual day-to-day experience at Rivers and the adult perceptions of that adolescent experience," said faculty advisor and School Counselor Samantha Sawin. "This group allows everyone to have a more common understanding. At Rivers, we already have strong faculty-student relationships, but they're often one-on-one. To make that relationship more systematic has been really valuable."

This year's Student Advisors are: Danielle Ain, Doug Badrigian, Kelsey Clark, Aaron Edelman, Lindsay Finkel, Chris Lemmons, Greg McGowan, and Lydia Russell-Roy. Next year the group will include: Nina Birger, John Corridan, Desiree DiIeso, Nadeem Haque, Meghan McCarrick, Sam Perrone, and Derek Stenquist.

"A lot of schools have peer advisors and student government, but it's unique at Rivers because this group is both," said Lydia Russell-Roy. "We discuss school issues and talk to students about them."

The program is also unique because the topics up for discussion aren't necessarily generated by the advisor or the school. It's an organic process. The meetings start out with an open floor. The conversations and discussions by the group generate ideas. And once the group decides on a way they think they can positively change things, they then design an event or meeting around that.

"Being a Student Advisor isn't always about being a part of the group," said Lindsay Finkel. "Sometimes, other students will come up to us as individuals because we are someone they feel comfortable with."

"It's been a learning process getting to know each other and other people," said Doug Badrigian. "It's been amazing to share ideas and thoughts with seven other people and learn more about the school than just the teachers and going to classes. I've seen the issues and tried to help."

One of the reasons the program is effective is because it's rooted in honesty. When Student Advisors speak to faculty members they're honest—even if it's not what faculty members expect to hear. They express their opinions, regardless of how popular those opinions may be. This confidentiality protects the students and allows them to speak freely.

"Everything is confidential with us, which reinforces the trust. Students can turn to us for advice and they know they can trust us. And for the faculty, we're trusted and relied on," said Chris Lemmons.

"The faculty come to us because they trust our opinions," said Greg McGowan. "We've talked to division meetings about the school's core values and what the Rivers experience has meant to us. And to me, this group shows that as a student you do have a voice and the school listens and wants you to share your voice."

One area of focus for the group this year has been ninth-grade transition and orientation. Seniors are developmentally ready to help other students. So, they can use what they've learned and the perspective gained from their Rivers experience to help ninth-graders grow. The Student Advisors attended freshman orientation, met with ninth-grade parents, and went to the ninth-grade lock-in.

"It's given me a new sense of confidence. Sometimes we get put in an awkward situation, like at the ninth-grade lock-in leading a group, and we have to find a way to grow as confident, articulate people," said Kelsey Clark. "It reinforces that Rivers is a welcoming, open, supportive place."

Student Advisors are chosen with the aim of representing different areas, interests and students at the school. All of the students were chosen with the interest of the group dynamic in mind. In addition, Student Advisors are students who can listen, have strong opinions, possess the ability to articulate ideas and lead in their own way.

"As a group we know a lot about the student body, we're a diverse group," said Aaron Edelman. "We help in areas where there may be a wall between the faculty and the students. We can offer a perspective from the students. And because we were recommended by the faculty, they listen."

The selection process starts with a faculty nomination process, followed by a student application process. All candidates are interviewed by advisor Samantha Sawin and a current Student Advisor. For next year's group 46 juniors out of 81 applied for eight spots.

"The program was so much more than I expected," said Danielle Ain. "It exceeded my expectations. I thought it would just be a chance to give back, but I ended up getting more in return than I ever thought I would."