Girls’ Circle Creates a Safe Conversation Space
New group offers opportunities for female-identifying students to build connections with each other
By Sydney Teves
New group offers opportunities for female-identifying students to build connections with each other
By Sydney Teves
In an effort to make girls feel more safe talking about mental health, Pioneer grad and school-site counselor Heather Goodman started Girls’ Circle, a group where young female-identifying students can speak their mind with other group members and not be judged. The idea came to her because she felt that she didn't have this opportunity in her own high school experience and she wants girls now to be able to express their emotions and feel safe while doing so.
A program focused on creating life-long bonds, the topics range between serious issues and exciting, lighthearted topics, aimed more at celebrating what the members do in their free time.
Tiana Tran, 10, joined the group because she wanted something to help with her mental health and thought it would be a great opportunity.
“Sometimes, we have a fun topic. One time we talked about what we do when we’re home alone, and some people say they like to dance or blast music and sing their heart out, some people like to read or make arts and crafts,” said Tran. “We might also talk about problems if you’re struggling with depression or sexual harassment.”
The members of the group look forward to going every week because of the environment they’ve created. Samantha Gorvad, 10, regularly attends Girls’ Circle because she feels safe to express what she’s feeling and praises the open, comfortable environment.
“I really love the group because it’s so safe and welcoming there. I’m okay with expressing myself with everyone. A couple of weeks ago, we did a breathing activity to help us relax, which was very calming and soothing,” said Gorvad. “Since it feels like a safe environment, I feel like the members, myself included, feel like we can open up and let people into our lives. The vibe there is amazing and I totally recommend it.”
Alina Galata, 9, joined because she wanted a place to talk about life with people who weren’t judgmental and thinks Goodman made the group exactly that.
“I think Heather is a motivating person who’s really good at creating a safe space which is why I feel comfortable talking there,” said Galata, “ I also like that we try to talk about both the positives and the negatives of life and we don’t tend to focus on one more than the other.”
Goodman started the group because she knew that it was crucial for young women to express and discuss their emotions and to provide that safe environment on campus.
“I created an organization called Sister Roots, so I run women's leadership, improvisation, art, and yoga stuff which is why I wanted to start a girls' group because I know how important and special it is,” said Goodman.
Goodman wants people to know that all girls are welcome to join Girls’ Circle and that it is a safe place to talk about anything. It also helps with making connections between people and the world.
“I love the group and I think it’s super necessary,” said Goodman. “It’s hard for people to come to a place where they are going to sit with people they’ve never met before and they are putting themselves out there to find a space where they can say things without being judged, and it’s nice to hang out where you feel like you can actually say the things you are feeling.”
Girls’ Circle is held in room 306 at lunch every Wednesday and welcomes new members.
A program focused on creating life-long bonds, the topics range between serious issues and exciting, lighthearted topics, aimed more at celebrating what the members do in their free time.
Tiana Tran, 10, joined the group because she wanted something to help with her mental health and thought it would be a great opportunity.
“Sometimes, we have a fun topic. One time we talked about what we do when we’re home alone, and some people say they like to dance or blast music and sing their heart out, some people like to read or make arts and crafts,” said Tran. “We might also talk about problems if you’re struggling with depression or sexual harassment.”
The members of the group look forward to going every week because of the environment they’ve created. Samantha Gorvad, 10, regularly attends Girls’ Circle because she feels safe to express what she’s feeling and praises the open, comfortable environment.
“I really love the group because it’s so safe and welcoming there. I’m okay with expressing myself with everyone. A couple of weeks ago, we did a breathing activity to help us relax, which was very calming and soothing,” said Gorvad. “Since it feels like a safe environment, I feel like the members, myself included, feel like we can open up and let people into our lives. The vibe there is amazing and I totally recommend it.”
Alina Galata, 9, joined because she wanted a place to talk about life with people who weren’t judgmental and thinks Goodman made the group exactly that.
“I think Heather is a motivating person who’s really good at creating a safe space which is why I feel comfortable talking there,” said Galata, “ I also like that we try to talk about both the positives and the negatives of life and we don’t tend to focus on one more than the other.”
Goodman started the group because she knew that it was crucial for young women to express and discuss their emotions and to provide that safe environment on campus.
“I created an organization called Sister Roots, so I run women's leadership, improvisation, art, and yoga stuff which is why I wanted to start a girls' group because I know how important and special it is,” said Goodman.
Goodman wants people to know that all girls are welcome to join Girls’ Circle and that it is a safe place to talk about anything. It also helps with making connections between people and the world.
“I love the group and I think it’s super necessary,” said Goodman. “It’s hard for people to come to a place where they are going to sit with people they’ve never met before and they are putting themselves out there to find a space where they can say things without being judged, and it’s nice to hang out where you feel like you can actually say the things you are feeling.”
Girls’ Circle is held in room 306 at lunch every Wednesday and welcomes new members.