September 24, 2017 marked the day that our definition of Peer Leadership changed.

When we arrived at the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, we were unsure of what to expect. Only a couple of minutes later, we jumped into our first official activity. Although many of us had friends in the class, most of us were surrounded by just mere acquaintances.

For the first time of the year, the two Peer Leadership classes were able to come together as one. Under a tent, we sat and each of us had a chance to introduce ourselves and state our favorite movie. It never occurred to us that we would have so much in common until after the following activity where we all expressed our reason for applying to the Peer Leadership program.

Not everyone had a solid reason for joining, but we all shared the common desire to help and inspire others. Furthermore, a representative from the Girls R.U.L.E. association was introduced to us; we had a chance to interact with each other through a series of icebreakers and games that acted as tools to teach us how to both lead and listen.

Toward the middle of our day, we were given about two hours to eat lunch and relax. These few hours were filled with laughter as we soaked up the sunshine and listened to music. This was the first time we were able to see everyone as their true selves outside of a learning environment. By the end of that time, we were more comfortable around each other and ready to move onto the next activity that gave us a taste of what it would be like to teach a freshman class.

We concluded the day with a bonfire. Each of us brought sentimental objects that we held to be significant and intimate parts of our lives. The atmosphere was emotional and we soon found ourselves crying on the shoulders of our neighbors. Our vulnerability, in this moment, allowed us to become even closer. There was a shift in the mood as we moved onto the next stop on our agenda: karaoke.

By that point, the whole dynamic of the group had changed. We connected as one big family through music from a variety of different genres and cultures. The next day, we presented our first lesson plans that we had created the day before and prepared for departure. Getting off the bus, the feeling of nostalgia did not wait to kick in. We parted ways, however, the barrier between the sixth and seventh period peer leaders diminished.

Coming back from our journey, we were determined to finish what we had started two weeks before the trip. We were asked to come up with different ideas to fundraise for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Because of the little time we had, it was important for us to come to an agreement as to what would be the best and most convenient way to help raise money. It was then that one of our peers had pitched out the idea of selling bracelets with a tagline that read “HOPE FOR HARVEY.”

To reach our goal, we promoted our cause through the use of morning announcements, social media, and posters. We sold our bracelets at the homecoming football game, lunch periods during school, and at our “Bounce for Harvey” event at Bounce! Trampoline Sports of Danbury.

We ended up raising about $1,100 between the bracelets, the “Bounce for Harvey” event and the influx of donations. It was a humbling and great experience. Our primary purpose was to provide for those who were unable to provide for themselves and we unintentionally became a family in the process. We thought this was a class about being a leader in the school. But we learned that Peer Leadership was much more.

Yes, it’s about being an effective leader in the real world, but this class is ultimately about becoming one with our community, working together to create something bigger, and leaving our mark as the class of 2018 Peer Leaders.