PEER SUPPORT: STUDENT REFLECTION

Peer support to me is a learning curve. It’s an opportunity to grow within myself and socially. I learn to communicate with people of different disabilities, ages and personalities. Peer Support is a class where I learn to be a member of our community and use my strengths to the best of my ability. During our Year 7 sessions, I have learned where the line is with being strict and assertive. Weekly, I’d be pushed to my limit with the most stubborn group of kids I’ve ever met, but I never crossed the line of being mean and bossy. I’ve learnt to take a beat when necessary and assess the situation, using quick thinking to adjust when things weren’t going to plan, and they never seemed to go to plan. I’ve learnt that when I’m myself, people like me. The power of being true to yourself isn’t lost on anyone. I’ve learnt to read people for who they are, not how they act or who they pretend to be. I’ve also learnt to think outside my preconceived notions. Working with certain people - who I am in a completely different world from - isn’t as scary as it seems. If you just talk to each other, you’ll find out you have things in common and they aren’t who you thought they were.

In our sessions, being quick on our feet was what worked best. We were handed a more difficult group of students to work with, and it became clear within our first session that communication was going to be key for success. Our team of three had to constantly be thinking of new games, and we needed constant quick meetings to assess why exactly what we were doing wasn’t appealing to the Year 7s and what we needed to do to fix it. One of the things that did not work was getting discouraged. It may sound like common sense, but for us three, we would struggle to pick ourselves up and keep pushing through the lesson if we let ourselves get upset and down due to a lack of excitement. I tried to smile and bring the energy we were lacking, because a negative attitude was not helping our group at all. However, we had many moments of success. There were multiple games the kids took to, for example, the doughnut on a string, farmer Sam, a three-legged race and the parachute game. There was also success between us leaders. Whether it was a strong group discussion after a not great session, or our thorough lesson planning, where we all had a say. We also really pushed each other to step outside of our comfort zone. I did things I never would’ve done a year ago, and that’s a success to me. I think Peer Support was a successful experience for all. I had this idea in my mind that our kids didn’t enjoy it, but after many conversations with multiple students, I’ve discovered that they loved it. For me, I think everyone involved, us student leaders and the Year 7 students, have grown so much, and we all have new strengths from this experience. 

The skills I found myself using the most were confidence, fairness and being open-minded. Before we started the sessions, I found out I was a democratic leader, someone who listens to everyone and can lend a helping hand, but also be stern when necessary. I feel like these attributes have strengthened, and now I have the confidence to put my foot down when necessary, and I’ve learnt how to push people to the best of their abilities. I’ve grown as a leader, but also just as a person. I’m stronger now and know when to take a deep breath and just let it happen if I need to. If I had to promote Peer Support to future Year 10 students, I’d say it’s hard work and sometimes you’ll want to rip your hair out, but you’ll come out the other side grateful you did it and wanting to do more. Whether it’s the Year 7s or getting out in the community, Peer Support is rewarding and a learning step, I think everyone should have to take. 

If I had the chance to do Peer Support again, I would be more relaxed. It’s stressful at times, but when you just sit back and think it through,  it’s not that bad. I would be less focused on it being perfect and just let myself be human. I would accept the failures and laugh about them, not let myself get down over them.

Peer Support is an enjoyable, challenging and amazing subject which has taught me many things about myself and my leadership skills. I recommend it to students because it has been so beneficial to who I am today. 

Scarlett

Year 10 Peer Support Student