After receiving positive feedback after giving advice to a friend who was having relationship issues, sophomore Ellery Deschamps thought she would make a good Natural Helper peer counselor.

The Natural Helpers provide informal help to students seeking trustworthy advice from peers, according to Deschamps.

Deschamps said she decided to become a peer counselor while looking for ways to become involved in school.

“I decided to be a Natural Helper because it seemed like a really proactive and helpful way to be a part of the school and its community,” Deschamps said.  

Luskey said Deschamp’s energy and interest in the club creates a positive environment.

“Ellery has a lot of enthusiasm, which I think is infectious and lets other people become comfortable with what we are talking about. Her positive attitude is a really great presence in the classroom,” Luskey said.

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Deschamps said she believes certain aspects of her personality make her a good peer counselor.

“I think I am a really good listener and I try to be as supportive as I can for my friends and help them with whatever they are struggling with,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps said she enjoys Natural Helpers because students in the club also take interest in helping others.

“Everybody who is a part of the Natural Helpers truly wants to be there and be a part of the club,” Deschamps said. “Being in an environment where everybody is passionate about the same thing is really cool.”

Deschamps said she has learned what it means to serve as a peer counselor.

“Since joining the club, I have learned what the Natural Helper’s job entails. You have to be kind, supportive and truly listen to what the student seeking help is telling you,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps said Natural Helpers creates an environment where students can talk to peers who understand what they may struggle with.

“I think the Natural Helpers are really important because sometimes our peers have a tough time talking about things with adults. It’s good that the school has a club that gives students the opportunity to talk to people their age who might feel more comfortable listening to serious topics,” Deschamps said.

The next Natural Helpers meeting takes place at 8 a.m. March 1 in room B11A.