The Upper School Counseling Department hosted their “Midterm First Friday” on December 6, providing a safe space for students to detox from their stress ahead of midterms. The counselors collaborated with the Mental Health Alliance Club for the event, and it has since been a tradition at Latin. Students dropped in and out of room 411 during both lunch periods to make kits that included candy, fidgets, notes, and more.

Upper School guidance counselor Jane Knoche came up with the idea of First Fridays when she first came to Latin in 2022.

“We were used to working at schools where reaching out to counselors was less stigmatized, so we were trying to find a way to get students who don’t usually come to the counselors’ office to still have a way to connect with us,” she said.

Aside from free goodies, this event helps students manage their stress levels. Senior Lucy Bear said, “I think it’s a fun tradition and it’s a nice place to hang out if you are overwhelmed, which is not usual because sometimes the counselors’ office is crowded with a lot of people.” This was the exact intention the counselors had when they first presented the concept of First Fridays. Upper School guidance counselor Anneliese Kranz said, “Hopefully seeing us here is not as scary for students as coming to our office may seem.”

Senior Sanya Arora said, “I’m First Friday’s biggest fan. I just love how they have all these fun fidgets and everything is free. It really helps lift my day, and I love collecting the things they have to offer. It’s a good way to end the week.”