All It Takes is a Little SPARC

3 October 2012Joanna L

Every great bolt of electricity starts with a little spark.

At Brentwood SPARC stands for Student Peer Assistance Resource Counsellors and it’s created by students, for students. SPARC was initiated so that students would have someone to talk to, someone who understood their perspective, and what they were going through: namely, another student. For the most-part life at Brentwood is an exciting mix of sports, arts, school and friendly interactions, but every now and then, it doesn’t hurt to be able to halt time for a bit and talk.

For the past few weeks, 70 eager SPARClings, under the guidance of Mrs. Felix, have worked tirelessly in the introductory SPARC training. Each Monday and Wednesday they have hurried to the Ross building during free arts blocks to learn the intricate workings of peer counselling. Games, role playing and group discussions will soon lead to one final outcome, 70 qualified peer counsellors, ready and waiting to do their bit, in their houses and the wider community.

As a current SPARC trainee, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first signed up for SPARC, but what I did learn very quickly is that the training sets us up with a mental tool kit that will be of great use to us for the rest of our lives. It lets you see things from a different perspective, step outside your shell and take a look at the world through someone else’s eyes.

Along with peer counselling, SPARC is responsible for fundraising, community outreach projects, helping out at Brentwood, on the world stage, and in the Mill Bay community. Recent events such as the SPARC Fun and Games Night raise funds that are sent to community projects around the world.

I look forward to finishing my SPARC training and joining the ranks of peer counsellors. Drop by for a chat!

Joanna L

Where Students Choose To Be