Opinion

Opinion Roundup: how various clubs create a space for student wellness and peer support.

Brailyn Almonte, Amaya De Lorenzo, PJ Lee, and Diana Saidi • June 4, 2025

Students share their experiences on various clubs at Townsend Harris.

A study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows that 70% of adolescents experience recurring loneliness before the age of 18. Today, with technology and social media, we are more connected than ever before. However, despite this connectedness, more and more teens are reporting feeling depressed and hopeless on a daily basis. Another study done by the NIH found that consistent involvement in extracurricular activities and clubs (non-arts) reduced loneliness significantly among people who felt concurrent or subsequent loneliness. Townsend Harris offers various clubs that aim to prioritize and create a space for students’ wellbeing and peer support.

We interviewed students and staff to determine how they have encouraged or experienced peer support and student wellness through clubs.

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“As a freshman, the transition from middle school to high school was a little daunting for me, but being an active member of Big-Sib Lil-Sib made it easier for me to make long-lasting friendships and meet new people. As a lil sib, having a big sib is more than just a relationship. I consider my big sib a mentor for me as they have more experience being in Townsend. At first, I was a little nervous to meet my big sib, but she was actually really cool, so I’m glad that I was able to get out of my comfort zone. I would definitely recommend other students to join Big-Sib Little-Sib because it’s a great way to make connections with your peers, whilst also having someone you can get tips/advice from academically.”

— Freshman Aeliyah Angeles, Big-Sib Little-Sib

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“GSA has had a strong impact on my life because it is a safe space to talk about diverse topics. It is overall a very supportive community. All our meetings are in the Zen Den, and I really enjoy going to the Zen Den because it is a very relaxing environment. I feel a strong sense of belonging in my community in GSA because we all share a similarity: that we are gay or support gay people. Being part of this club feels like being part of a big family. I would definitely recommend GSA to other students, especially to people who may be figuring out their sexuality. It is a very open space and everyone is respectful. Sometimes, outside of GSA, people can be mean, so it’s nice to have a safe space in this club. My favorite memory in GSA was the white elephant gift exchange which we did last April. It’s a game where you have a prize but you can also steal someone else’s prize. We had a lot of fun at this event. Another event I really enjoyed was the Arcane watch party. Arcane is also a show with a lot of LGBTQ+ representation and attending this event provided a well-needed break from the stress of Townsend.”

— Sophomore Lillian Parrella, GSA

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“Joining Girl Up taught me so much about women’s empowerment and how I, as a young girl, can voice my opinions and advocate for myself. It also taught me how as women we shouldn’t be afraid to grab any opportunities that arise. I feel a sense of belonging in this club and that helps my mental health because every other week I can come to a space where I feel like everyone is united when it comes to a central idea, which is women empowerment. This club has helped me grow and know more about women who made great changes and has also helped me grow in my views and opinions. One thing I really enjoyed was making waffles with the girls for different events, as being with my community makes me happy.”

— Junior Aizay Amin, Girl Up

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“No Buddy Left Behind aims to bridge the community between THHS students and students from P255Q. We want students from both schools to build connections through the meetings and opportunities the club has throughout the school year. [The club] secures a warm atmosphere for its students and club members to converse about their favorite activities and interests. When I joined this club, its sense of purpose was truly what I fell in love with, and I truly feel welcomed every time I attend [meetings] with my friends. It’s a blessing to feel so connected to my school community. No Buddy Left Behind has taught me to step outside my comfort zone. . . sometimes I struggle to converse my thoughts and emotions and be able to express myself as a person. It’s made me confident and has allowed me to talk and connect with people on a social and personal level.”

— Senior Maimuna Amina, No Buddy Left Behind

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“[The message behind] No Buddy Left Behind is for students at P255Q to meet, socialize, and become friends with the students at Townsend Harris. Hopefully, the club has taught students to be more patient and kind to neurodiverse students and help them to feel part of the community. I love how excited the students in our class feel when their buddies come in, or when they see their buddies in the hallway. I feel like the students from No Buddy Left Behind really try to encourage our [neurodivergent students] to participate in club activities and socialize with them.”

— No Buddy Left Behind Teacher Advisor Clare Deignan

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About the Contributors

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor

Brailyn is a junior at Townsend Harris High School. She plans to study law in college and become an attorney one day. She also enjoys reading books, especially fantasy, romance and dystopian texts. Her favorite Classic piece that she has worked on thus far is her opinion piece on the THHS guidance department and their ability to provide various wellness opportunities to students. Her favorite Classic piece written by others is a news article that features a Townsend Harris custodian. She thinks it is sweet for the people who keep our school clean to be recognized for their hard work.

PJ Lee, Opinion Contributor

PJ Lee is a sophomore at Townsend Harris High School. He is a contributor in The Classic‘s opinion department.

Emily Zheng, Photography Editor

Emily is a junior at Townsend Harris High School.

Bella Chen, Sports Photography Editor

Bella is a senior at Townsend Harris High School.

Angela You, Art Editor

Angela is a senior at Townsend Harris High School. In her free time, she loves to create digital art, read comics, and play the piano. She loves the friendly community in the Classic Art department as well as the fun activities they do together!