You Don’t Have to Be Grown Up to Be a Leader

What does being a leader actually look like when you’re in middle school?

At Friendship Circle’s first Middle School Mentors Night of the year, that was part of the conversation. Mentors came together at The Beacon to meet one another, learn more about Friendship Circle and start thinking about the role they can play in making others feel welcome and included.

For some, this isn’t their first year stepping into that role.

Second-year mentor Micah Lieberthal sees Middle School Mentors as a chance to learn how to lead while connecting with people of different ages.

“It’s important because middle schoolers can learn leadership skills and be with people older and younger than them and work with them,” Micah said.

For Wyatt Frank, the reason for being part of the program is pretty simple: “To teach people to be a leader” and help people make friends.

But leadership at Friendship Circle isn’t only about being the person in charge. Sometimes it looks a lot smaller. It can be noticing when someone needs a friend, making room for someone else or making sure everyone feels comfortable being themselves.

That stood out to first-time mentor Emily Goldberg.

“Everyone should feel included in some way and be able to express their true feelings,” Emily said. When asked what she can do to help make that happen, her answer was simple: “Be kind and inclusive.”

Of course, the night wasn’t all talking about leadership. Mentors made their own badges, grabbed some food and were put to the test with a marshmallow and spaghetti challenge. Working in teams, they had to communicate, problem-solve and figure things out together, putting some of those leadership skills into practice before the year had even really begun.

Middle School Mentors Night was only the beginning. As the year continues, these students will have more opportunities to build friendships, take on responsibility and learn what it means to help create a community where everyone belongs.

And if night one showed us anything, it’s that you don’t have to wait until you’re older to start.