I was new to Olson Middle School this year. A lot of people didn’t know my name, or who I was. The minute I walked through the door, I was trying to figure out how to make new friends, how to fit in with everyone, and how to find a friend I had things in common with. I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, the circle flew in like Superman and zapped those problems away!

Ever since we started the Circle of Power and Respect, it has brought nothing but good to our school. Every morning my homeroom classmates and I set up our circle. When I sit down I feel relaxed and safe. I feel I can say whatever I want (as long as it’s school appropriate) without getting made fun of, or worrying what other people think. Instead of coming in every morning, sitting down, and going straight to work, we have a break. We have a chance to say hello, participate in an activity, and share stories with one another. We get a closer look at the lives of students we don’t usually talk to. It helps us grow.

Another thing the circle has taught me is to maintain eye contact with whomever I’m speaking to. It is a sign of respect. In the beginning of the year, when we were asked to look at the person sitting next to us in the eye and say good morning, no one could do it without bursting out laughing. Now we are mature young adults. It’s been a drastic change since the beginning of the year. The class of 2008 has shown me so many things! I get the feeling the circle has brought us together in so many ways, including ways we don’t understand. We, as 8th graders, are stepping outside the box, and into the circle.

Jenna Kleiner is a student at Olson Middle School, Tabernacle NJ

This article first appeared in Origins' Special Student Issue, Spring 2008