On a campus where packed schedules are the norm, and schooldays blur together, some of the most meaningful moments happen outside of the classroom. Connect and reflect has evolved into a space where students feel seen and supported. The program consists of many activities such as playing chess, building Legos, making art, and even doing karaoke.
Jolie Juridah, a freshman at Calabasas High and a regular connect and reflect participant, is one of the many students who has found a sense of belonging through the karaoke activity.
“Everyone’s just really kind to you. And especially when you’re singing, and you’re nervous, they’ll hype you up, and it creates a very kind environment for everyone that’s coming in and scared that their voice isn’t gonna be good, they help you,” said Juridah.
Van Rivera, the special education community-based instruction teacher, has worked to create an environment where students can interact and feel comfortable.
“Everybody that works here, all my kids, my parents, and the students that come in all the time, we foster a really good community. That’s why I wanted to do karaoke, because I wanted more kids in here,” said Rivera.
After one semester, many students are already noticing a difference in Calabasas’s atmosphere. Nili Hashem, a freshman at CHS, believes these activities have played an active role in that change.
“I think people are being nicer as time goes on, and that’s really good because it shows a lot of self-development and growth, which is important,” said Hashem.
As participation has increased, the program has steadily grown in popularity.
“It’s definitely gotten more popular. I like it because it used to just be one person goes up and then no one sings, but now more people are coming, and it’s like a whole line, and every song, there’s another song after it. And it’s very nice. It kind of creates an energetic and welcoming environment,” said Juridah.
Because of the program, students have been given more opportunities to meet new people and form friendships.
“I tie in my program together with the connect and reflect. Other days, kids come in here, and they play board games with my kids as well as puzzles and Jenga; I love it,” said Van Rivera.
The program has forged new friendships between people who might not interact otherwise, bridging different social circles and fostering a welcoming environment.
“It definitely opens up your circle to new people,” said Juridah.
Connect and reflect is an opportunity for students to unwind after difficult classes.
“It’s been very fun, everyone’s vibing to all the music. I love to sing Espresso” said Juridah.
“I love people coming out of their shell. Once they sing, and they feel like, ‘wow, I can’t believe I did that, it’s great,’” said Van Rivera.
As Connect and reflect reaches its half-year mark, its impact has been made clear, not just in the weekly newsletter, but in building the confidence of students and friendships formed. In an environment typically filled with high-stakes quizzes and hours of homework, the program proves that an escape is all students need to feel like they belong.
