By Honore ’27
In a day on campus at Harvard-Westlake, you can walk by as many new faces as familiar ones. In other words, potential friends can be hiding just around the corner! Every day, your connections with people can help you navigate and get the most out of your school experience, whether you’re dealing with a tough week of tests or simply finding a seat at the lunch table. Your friends and classmates on campus are the students you see around every day, who you eat lunch with, and spend frees with. Whether it’s studying in the library together, hanging out on the field, or forming relationships with your peers, it’s a no-brainer. Connections with peers who will have your back no matter what are what make a school feel like a second home.
When you first arrive at Harvard-Westlake, you are assigned your classes, and with each class, a teacher who will guide you through the year. Your relationships with them can be the key to success in the classroom. At my old school, a small district where I knew everyone in my grade, I only saw my teachers during class. Here, it’s integral to your success, as they know your material front and back. Meeting with them can give teachers the time to learn how you absorb information, helping you grow. However, your time with them can cover other topics. Last year, my history teacher was one of my favorite teachers, not just because he was hard on us or that I learned so much, but because he was a person I could sit with and have a conversation with.
Along with classes and teachers, another important resource each student also has access to is an assigned dean and counselor. Deans are so helpful in that they allow you to shape your own experience at Harvard-Westlake. They handle course changes and advocate for you when needed. Any issue or problem you need solved, your dean has the answer. However, they aren’t just doing this blindly; their job is to get to know you on a personal level, too. Talking with counselors can also help you stay balanced in your time at school. The assignment of counselors is a suggestion or a place to start if you’re lost. You can talk to any counselor who makes you feel most comfortable. You don’t have to be counseled or discuss serious topics; these meetings can be friendly, relaxed, and informal–just another adult who will support you.
Along with these counselors, athletes also have access to the sports psychologist at the upper school, who is more inclined to understand and have advice for situations that take place on or around the field. Players can also turn to coaches and trainers for support, since they’ll be more familiar with your situation.
Other corners of campus include the Learning Center, with all its learning specialists there whose job is to supplement you, and the librarians in the library. I’m sure there are more I’ve yet to find. These are just some of the people on campus who can help you find success. No matter where you are on campus, there’s a network of support, encouragement, and friendship. When you’re on campus, you’ll find people who are just right for you who will help you reach your goals.
