Starting high school can feel like stepping into a completely new world, with hallways packed with strangers, classrooms twice as big, and schedules that never stop — a transition from middle school that can often overwhelm freshmen. Luckily, freshmen have the unique opportunity to catch their breath, connect with seniors, and get guidance on everything from homework to homecoming in Peer Group, Joy Cooper, Titan Learning Center and Peer Counseling Co-Coordinator, said.

This semester, 388 freshmen are participating in Peer Group, which consists of groups with 10 to 14 freshmen and two to three senior leaders who meet every other day during the second half of their Student Resource Time (SRT), Cooper said. Founded in 1974, it is one of the longest running peer-helping programs in the country, Cooper said.

With a recent increase of interested freshmen, Peer Group implemented a waitlist this semester, Cooper said. Those waitlisted will have priority in the second semester, Benjamin Widner, Social Studies Teacher and Peer Counseling Co-Coordinator, explained. The demand reflects the program’s profound impact on the freshman experience and has helped both the freshmen and Peer Group leaders grow, Widner said.

“We want to provide a place for [freshmen] to process, relax, [and] feel like they’re a part of a group within this massive school community,” Widner said. “[Peer Group] gives them a chance to be their own person, have their own voice, and be around people that they trust to respect that voice.”

Peer Group gives freshmen a chance to step away from the pressures of the school day, freshman Ella Di Vito, member of Peer Group, said. The leaders organize games and activities that build connections with their peers, she added.

“Coming from SRT, [Peer Group] helps take my mind off of the stress of doing homework [and] gives me a nice break.” Di Vito said.

For leaders, the program is an opportunity to grow in confidence, leadership and character, senior Liyana Bhaiji, Peer Group leader, said. Peer Group leaders went through an intensive week of training in the summer from Aug. 4 to 8, learning how to facilitate discussions, manage group dynamics, and serve as mentors, Bhaiji said.

“Knowing that I’m someone that [freshmen] can go to for anything [is fulfilling],” Bhaiji said. “I’m a safe space for them, and in a way, they’re a safe space for me.”

The impact of Peer Group often extends beyond freshman year, Tranas said. It not only helped him transition into high school freshman year but also allowed him to form lasting friendships with both his peers and the leaders, he said.

“My leaders made [my high school] experience better,” sophomore Dean Tranas, former Peer Group member said. “It definitely went both ways because you made new friends with kids your age, but then you also made new friends with seniors, so it was a lot of fun.”