SHOC Mentors Guide the Way

If you’re a student at the high school, then you’re likely familiar with Students Helping Other Students (SHOC). This day is one of the most anticipated and exciting events at the end of the school year. Not only do the incoming students who will soon call themselves highschoolers have fun, but the event serves as a rewarding experience for the leaders involved who can see their hard work pay off. SHOC staffers work to prepare a variety of engaging events throughout the day like turf games that give the students an exciting experience outside. To help students feel a sense of familiarity upon their arrival in the fall, mentors give them a tour around the school.

Aside from the tour, SHOC also offers students an opportunity to view the activities and clubs that the high school has, and students get to plan, connect personal interests, and talk to any leaders and coaches in preparation for the next year. Additionally, one of the most informative moments of SHOC is the Question-and-Answer session. During the Q&A, the 8th graders have the chance to talk with current high school students and ask questions teachers would not be able to fully answer. Overwhelmingly, one of the biggest takeaways from SHOC Day is the connections made between the mentors and the mentees; current freshman Sophia Messick shares, “My mentors made the day ten times better by making my experience fun and beneficial and made me feel less nervous for high school.”

While the 8th graders are benefitting from the day, so is the leadership team as they watch the effort they put in result in a memorable day for a new group of students. Junior Clara Pollak, who is a leadership member in the branch of activities and logistics, expressed, “Seeing the time and work I put into the club turning into a fun day with no issues is such a rewarding feeling that I will always remember.” Ultimately, SHOC day is a fun and engaging experience that helps younger students by easing them into high school with a smooth transition. With the preparation from the student leaders, mentors, and faculty, the day is a safe and engaging way for students to transition from Hawks into Longhorns.