Student Advisors Jerald Brown and Leonard Jenkins have brought a new sense of security to Emmaus High School. As EHS’ only Student Advisors, they are here to guide and listen to students.
Jenkins started off as a hall monitor. Once the position of Student Advisor was posted, he decided to take the opportunity to work more closely with students, with Brown following suit shortly after. They were brought into this position to create a new avenue for students to allieviate their feelings and troubles.
“I think a missing component is students actually being heard, being allowed to talk and express themselves to listening ears,” Jenkins said.
The overall mission of a student advisor is to create a bond with students, listen to them, and show what they have to say is important. Throughout the school year, students are able to meet with Brown and Jenkins to go over any conflicts they may face. They host open sessions and they also have scheduled meeting with students. Many students have also felt as if this was a safe environment for them to feel heard.
Senior Anyis Hardmon details how he feels around Brown and Jenkins.
“It’s a good environment,” Hardmon said. “They connect to the people they talk to and they get an understanding.”
Brown and Jenkins make it their mission to help students in any way they can. They host restorative sessions in Room 130 to connect with students during Hornet Homeroom on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Additionally, students can email the advisors to make an appointment to speak with them. Brown and Jenkins hope their position can create a bigger impact on the students they interact with.
“We see you. We’re family and just trying to make our big school feel even smaller,” Brown said.
Brown and Jenkins took this position to let students know that they have a voice, and they will be heard. They strive to give students guidance and certainty in a bond that will last throughout their time at EHS.
Brown and Jenkins have brought new light to the EHS community, providing students with another person to communicate with.
“I am grateful to the East Penn School District for giving me and Mr. Jenkins the opportunity to be able to be Student Advisors here and fulfill that role,” Brown said.
