Bronx River High School began its Peer Group Connection (PGC) selection process in June with group interviews to be followed up by solo one-to-one interviews on the remaining school days.

PGC advisor Takeiyah Brown doesn’t feel nervous about this year’s interview process because there are over 30 applicants.

According to Ms Brown, successful PGC leaders must be team builders, mentors, supportive, organized, positive and personable.

Senior and PGC leader Britana Owen said, “The biggest challenge new leaders face during the interviews is coming up with things to say on the spot while trying to prove themselves and put themselves out there.”

Britana said that she wishes she had received advice from teachers before her interview since PGC functions like “kids taking care of kids,” can become stressful.

Once selected, leaders face ongoing challenges, such as gaining respect from freshmen and managing freshman behavioral issues. When handling conflicts, students and leaders are expected to compromise.

Ms. Brown and Britana noted that leaders are responsible in making freshmen reconcile differences themselves, only escalating disagreements to advisors and deans when they become serious.

“Balancing PGC duties with regular schoolwork is easy because planning takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays, Britana said. Because activities are provided in advance, leaders get a head start on the agenda.” She tries her best not to go home with homework.

Ms. Brown and Britana recalled a standout answer from a past interview regarding the school’s climate. The applicant stated that BRHS does not do well with embracing different cultures because it is predominantly Hispanic and noted that the school should make other races feel more comfortable by using the PGC curriculum to do so.

The PGC selection process ultimately serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on student leaders at this school. These leaders play a vital role in shaping the school’s daily environment and cultural climate by balancing their academic responsibilities with the real-world pressures of peer mentorship and conflict resolution.

Wilson Conception, a 10th grader, points out the importance of making the incoming lower classmen feel comfortable. During the group interviews, he created an icebreaker game for freshmen to break them out of their shell. “I hope to make a big impact on the inequality that freshmen may feel and make sure I do my part as a leader to make them feel safe at all times,’’ he said.