When freshman Erin Anderson arrived at the Respect Retreat Nov.14, she said she did not expectthe retreat to impact her values and the way she views other students.

“I thought we were just going to play games and talk about respecting each other,” Anderson said. “(But) hearing everyone’s stories at the end opened my eyes to see how people really feel. It made me realize that I should think before I speak and judge others.”

Each member of the freshman class, including Anderson, attended the Respect Retreat either Nov. 14 or 15. At the end of each retreat, all those at the retreat sat in a big circle and listened to each others’ stories and how they will commit to be more respectful in the hallways.

Freshman Matt Aaker said the retreat was a significant, thought-provoking experience.

“It was really deep when we had to reflect back at ourselves and admit our mistakes at the ending candle ceremony. It brought out a different side of people and made the freshmen really connect,” Aaker said.

Youth Frontiers is a non-profit organization that offers various retreats to students, including the Respect Retreat. Susan Harris, communications and marketing manager for Youth Frontiers, said the goal of the Respect Retreat was to teach students about the different types of respect and how they can apply it to life at school.

“We want kids to realize that they matter, disrespectful behavior is harmful, and to be able to identify ways to respect themselves and others,” Harris said. “We want them to be able to make their school a more positive place by standing up for respect.”

For both of the retreat days, many upperclassmen volunteered to be junior leaders and mentors for the freshman. They helped lead small group discussions and try to get to know the freshmen on a deeper level.

Junior Anline Lezama, a junior leader at the retreat, said the experience was just as helpful for her as it was for the freshmen. She said although the games played were slightly different from when she attended the retreat, the core characters taught were the same.

“It was a great opportunity for the freshman class to connect and get to know each other more and to think about the different types of respect,” Lezama said. “Since the time I went, it refreshed the ideas of respect in my mind. It was a lot of fun getting a lot of them to step out of their comfort zones and just enjoy the day. It paid off to spend a day getting to know them.”

Aaker said the junior mentors were very helpful in provoking thought, and in having fun.

“The junior leaders were really fun, and they made us think differently and made us think twice before we say something negative,” Aaker said.

Overall, freshman Noah Fracassi said he found the retreat helpful, and said it made him think about others in a different perspective.

“It opened my eyes to what others are dealing with. It made me think before I talk about someone,” Fracassi said. “You don’t know what they are dealing with.”