Expect the unexpected: The importance of “connecting”

23 Broadcast Director

Abby Nevin

All Staples students are assigned to a Connections advisory group. This group of approximately 12 students typically meets twice per week for 20 minutes, between the second and third periods of the day. These meeting periods, according to the Student Handbook, serve as an intentional time to “communicate school-related information, foster meaningful connections between students and staff members and create a safe environment where students feel comfortable to hold open discussions throughout their Staples career.”

As I entered my first Connections class, located smack of my current friends. All of my friends had a buddy or two in their Connections class and I felt jealous that for those 20 minutes, they would have each other and I wouldn’t have a friend. I felt like I was part of the Breakfast Cluband I was playing the part of the snarky 14-year-old Molly Ringwald. Little did I know, it was due to these 20 minutes twice a week for the next four years that I would establish new friendships, engage in nuanced conversations and find a teacher who would serve as a role model to me as I continue further in life. Now back to that first class. As I entered on my very first day, we did what all new groups of people usually do: we dragged our chairs into a circle and went around painfully reciting our names, followed by whatever our faor ice cream flavor was. Boring! I sat there observing the clock and watching the red hand tick second by second, waiting until we were released and I could conwith my day.

“How will I ever be able to form true connections with these people I barely know?”

I wondered to myself. I look back now and almost laugh at how ignorant I was. One of the most important lessons I have since learned is that some of the most important and fundamental relationships are those you find, create and establish with people you would have never expected to meet or know.

My Connections class has experienced a global pandemic and a variety of struggles together, but has also supported one another through happy moments and triumphs. We went from a group of random acquaintances to hearing about each other’s days and opinions. Although they may not know it, I am very glad we met and became friends with one another.

None of this, however, could have been possible without our Connections teacher who held the group together like glue, Señor Barahona. Señor is a teacher that I do and will continue to praise highly, as he has walked in each day from that very first day with some- thing positive to say and a progressive mentality. He cares so much for his students and puts buckets of effort into his job while maintaining high spirits.

As I enter college and even when I enter my first job, I will continue to not only search for “roses” in each day but will also remain encouraged in times when I feel disheartened. I have Connections to thank for allowing me to meet such a role model.

As I write this article and marvel at the fact that I am graduating, I think back to all that the class of 2023 went through. I have my friends, family and community to thank for supporting me the entire way.

As I head off to college, I intend to implement the lessons I learned in Connections: I will establish meaningful relationships by starting conversations, even with unknown peers because by reaching out, I know I will meet and learn so much more.