Here at Keystone Academy , you don ’ t have to look far to find individuals as hardworking and bold as the Smurfs themselves ; they are our very own “ student management team ” – the dorm proctors . What would you do if you felt homesick the first time you move into a dormitory ? What would you do if you needed to talk to someone when you are upset or stressed , or when you wanted to share something bothering you with your peers , instead of talking to your teachers ? Our dorm proctors may have answers to these and other questions .
Proctors are usually senior students from grades 9 or 10 . They are not only the “ big brothers and sisters ” of the dorm , but also dorm leaders who are responsible for always being there for their classmates . A team of 12 proctors tells us their stories .
Why do senior students become proctors ? This position is usually held by senior students who support teachers to manage the day-today running of the dormitory . Proctors learn and hone leadership skills through fulfilling their responsibilities . The proctors have a wide range of duties ranging from helping out with homework to organizing major events , and helping their junior dorm peers cope with issues they may encounter . The selection process for a new proctor includes filling out an application , a written test , and finally getting through an interview with a panel of teachers . These proctors are like “ peer advisors ”. Students are able to seek their advice on many issues . Proctors also create opportunities for students to make friends across age groups , which is vital to creating a sense of community in the student body .
Proctors don ’ t simply lead , but serve … Proctors , as representatives of senior students , need to meet dorm freshmen at the beginning of a new term , introduce the school to their new classmates , and help them adapt to their new life at boarding school . “ I still remember a younger classmate was really homesick at the beginning of the new term ,” remarked Sun Shunyang , dorm proctor and grade 10 student . “ We brought him lots of delicious treats , talked to him and made him feel comfortable .” Shunyang is happy that he is able to nurture managerial , leadership
and people skills : “ I would have never gained this experience by staying at home .”
It Is A Family . As part of the residential program at Keystone Academy , the selected proctors not only assist the dorm administration , but also are pillars of support for their dormmates . They are very responsible . “ Boarding holds a particular significance for all the students going into universities as well as for their future life . Friendships form , and they trust each other ,” noted Dean of Residential Life Juli James . “ I had worked in a school in Los Angeles for 26 years and my students from back then are now in their forties . They still remain firm friends and the relationships between teachers and students have become even closer . There are perhaps only few things more beautiful .”
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