By Charley Kercher & Natalie Zhu

Every freshman at RCDS enters the Upper School with at least one class in common: Life Skills. Led by the Peer Leaders, this unique course supports freshmen through the beginning of a new chapter of their lives. The class is meant to give guidance in a less formal setting by having older peers offer advice and lead lessons, which resonates differently when coming from someone who’s been in the same place. Peer Leaders facilitate lessons on topics such as digital responsibility, mental health, and navigating difficult conversations, while also building relationships that create a safe space for reflection, learning, and discussion. But is the class meeting its goals? 

The transition into high school can be challenging, as freshmen balance new academic expectations, increased workloads, and unfamiliar schedules. Life Skills aims to alleviate some of this pressure by offering structured support during the school day. Omaya Garay ‘29, a freshman who has now experienced a semester of Life Skills, presents a positive outlook on the class, stating that it’s “been very educational and a good experience.” She especially appreciates “the opportunity to learn from your peers about topics that are necessary to learn” , noting that this approach makes the adjustment to high school more manageable. Garay identifies key takeaways from the course, including the “ability to rely on your peers” and maintaining “truth in your identity through adversity,” both of which have influenced how she approaches her high school experience. For example, Garay notes the applicability of the lesson on strategies for executive functioning. A key aspect of having the Life Skills class is the development of positive relationships between the students and the PLs. When questioned on this topic, Garay replied, “I like my PLs, [they are] easy to speak with outside of class and really accessible and helpful …when you need them to be.” From a freshman perspective, it would seem that Life Skills is a net-benefit class that achieves its goals. 

There are also different aspects of Life Skills that occur outside the classroom.  Senior Darren Wong ‘26, a Peer Leader, helped shed some light onto the other side of this student-driven class. He explains that he reviews lesson materials carefully and “considers the best ways I can help my students learn effectively,” and of course, he always “brings snacks.” Goldfish, chips, candy, they’ve got it! All nut-free, of course. Teaching Life Skills requires a significant commitment, but Wong describes the experience as highly rewarding, citing the opportunity to connect with students and “ being a meaningful member of the RCDS community is definitely the most rewarding.” He characterizes his students as thoughtful and engaging, noting that the learning process is mutually beneficial. Wong said, “I think they are really thoughtful and funny students, and I enjoy learning with them.”A major goal of Life Skills is to give the freshmen a safe space and a mentor-like figure and a supportive environment during their transition into high school. Wong emphasizes the importance of proactive outreach, explaining that he regularly checks in with students to help them feel comfortable and supported.

Ultimately, Life Skills appears to be doing exactly what it set out to do: easing the transition into high school by building connections and shared experience. From freshmen who feel supported and heard to Peer Leaders who find meaning in guiding others, the class fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom. While it may simply fill out a requirement, Life Skills offers something far more valuable: confidence, connection, and the reassurance that no one has to navigate high school alone. Life Skills is the only class at RCDS for the students, by the students.