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Tabia Alexander

Hey, my name is Tabia Alexander and I am currently a senior of the best class at Hayfield Secondary School. My life is now consumed these days by filling out college applications, doing scholarships, and planning for my life beyond high school and my home. My priorities are definitely different than three years ago. I look back and I can see myself being trapped in what I call an ever ending cycle of drama! Everyday there was something new, I never knew what to expect: whether it was gossip, arguments, fights, and I even felt like I had to dress and perform a certain way to be accepted for an audience that was just my peers. But maturity comes over time, all the drama that I endured is now a good laugh and least of my worries! It could have all been prevented by using Peer Mediation. I see now that using peer mediation is the mature thing to do, when you come across a problem that you can’t seem to solve! Nobody will look like a punk because if you really want to be friends or don’t want to get suspended it works in your favor, you’re the punk if you act ignorant! Get involved in something else other than drama!

Quote: “You have to love yourself, and see your worth value, before you can love and enjoy someone else.”

Natasha Beckley

Hi, my name is Natasha and I am a junior, this is my first year in peer mediation. I love to direct my peers to the right path. I want to major in International Relations and hope to see myself involved with mediation in the future. At first I didn’t really know anything about mediation but I realize it could be applied in my everyday life and it teaches me respect for other people, and the most important MYSELF! Thank you Mrs. Gordon.

Quote: “Don’t stop, never give up, hold your head high, reach the top and let the world know what you have got.”

Jondavid Bibeau

Hey, I’m Jondavid, a peer mediator at Hayfield. I’m probably the most laid back mediator. I’m a senior, 18, and French. I like mediation because Mrs. Gordon loves to teach and loves kids even more. I like to skate and try and relax. I like to read too. I hate people that obsess about any one thing.

Quote: “Well in the end it doesn’t really matter.”

Ashley Booth

Hey y’all!! It’s Ashley Booth – showing that ’06 pride! Wow, this year has been really exciting for me. Let’s see, I helped stomp those freshmen at the homecoming powderpuff game, was co-captain of the crazy JV volleyball team, playing JV softball, on the debate team (I was half-qualified for Metros), and I’m a peer mediator. Being a peer mediator has taught me a lot, especially since I’ve been one since the eighth grade. I’ve learned that I really enjoy working with kids, because I had the chance to train sixth graders at Island Creek Elementary. Those kids are so much fun! I’ve done so much in this class! I facilitated a workshop in the fall at a mini-conference, and I’m planning on doing one in the spring as well. One this I really love about this class is all the new people I’ve met and the new friends I’ve made. We have become a family and get along really well for a class. Most of all, thanks to my best friends in the class, Asia Odum and Rachel Brown, for always being so great to me, and especially Mrs. Gordon for always being really supportive and helpful. And to all my new friends, especially the crazy freshmen, I hope we stay in touch and continue to stay friends. Keep smilin’ and I’ll see y’all around!

Quote: “Go confidently in the way of your dream.”

Courtney Brown

Hi my name is Courtney Brown and I’ve been in mediation for four years. I think it’s a lot of fun and has made me a better person. One of the ways it’s made me a better person is I can solve my own problems. This year I have been working on advertising and helped create a bulletin board about mediation. This year I’ve enjoyed working with and getting to know everyone in my class. Since I’ve been at Hayfield I’ve enjoyed working with the school. I was in Junior Hawks, student assistant and I also was honored with the principles award for being involved with the school so much last year. Even though this is my first year in high school I plan to do a lot to help the school.

Quote: “Helping others keeps your own problems in perspective.”

Rachel Brown

Hi, my name is Rachel Brown. I am a freshman at Hayfield. This year has been a big one for me. I became part of the JV volleyball team, a peer mediator, and part of the swim and dive team. Becoming part of the volleyball team was enough, but becoming captain of the JV volleyball team was great! I enjoyed every minute of it. All of the girls grew every close, hung out together, and we still stay in touch! Peer Mediation is becoming very close this year too. It also has become a big part in my life, with solving problems with friends, family, and people I come in contact with. We have done tons of work this year. While participating in the fall mini-conference, elementary school training, and also getting ready for our big spring conference, our peer mediators have become very close.

Quote: “Every time we remember to say "thank you," we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.”

Krystal Carter

Hello, my name is Krystal Amanda Carter. I am a seventeen year old senior at Hayfield Secondary. I have been a participant in Peer Mediation since I was in 5^th grade. After school I am involved in a variety of clubs and I have a part time job. After high school, I plan to attend college in VA and want to study psychology. Some things I enjoy about Peer Mediation are that I can help people and be interactive in the different mediation conferences.

Quote: “If you stand for nothing, then you will fall for anything.”

Heather Castro

Hey Hayfield! My name is Heather Castro and I’m a freshman. I’m on the dance team here at hayfield and want to get involved in many other activities and clubs Hayfield has to offer. When I first came to Hayfield as a seventh grader I didn’t know what to expect. New people, lockers, changing classes, were just few things I was worried about. All I knew was that I wanted to make a difference in the school and get involved. When I looked at the choice of classes for high school I realized peer mediation was the perfect program for me. It deals with ordinary students just like everyone else helping their peers by trying to solve conflicts they might have. I really enjoy mediation.

Quote: “Live life to the fullest, don’t live in the past look towards the future, and have no regrets.”

Lianna Catino

Hey, what’s up Hayfield! My name is Lianna Catino and I’m a freshman (’07) at Hayfield. I am a JV cheerleader and plan to go out for JV lacrosse team this spring. I love getting involved in extra curricular activities so when Peer Mediation was offered for a freshman this year I took the opportunity and ran! Peer mediation has opened up a lot of new windows for me and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

Quote: “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop to look around once in a while you might miss it.” –Ferris Beuler’s Day Off

Andrea Chess

Hi, my name is Andrea. I am a student, sister, daughter, catholic, friend, niece, granddaughter, dancer, freshman class of ’07, swimmer, manager of swim and dive, neighbor, and a mediator. Being a mediator is a new thing to me, but it is one of the many things I take part in. A family is a part in my life that will always be with me even when times are hard. I can turn to my sister for anything; it will be hard next year with out her. Another thing everyone should know about me is that I believe everyone has the freedom to be whatever they feel like being and say what ever they feel like saying. I have been dancing for 8 years, in ballet, pom, jazz, and tap. Dancing bring a feeling that is unexplainable. I just started Peer Mediation this is my first year in any FCCLA class. This year our class has been extremely productive. I helped with the bulletin board, making candy canes, started training, went to the fall conference and there is more to come. Peer Mediation changed my perspective on life; it made me think outside of the box about different kinds of people.

Quote: “DANCE as though no one is watching you, LOVE as though you have never been hurt before, SING as though no one can hear you, LIVE as though heaven is on earth.” -Souza

Ryan Davis

Hi, my name is Ryan Davis. I am a sophomore and this is my second year in mediation. I’m in mediation because I enjoy being able to help my peers solve their conflicts and find useful solutions. I really enjoy this class because it allows me to experience a diverse environment in which all of us share and exchange our personal opinions. Other than being involved in mediation, I like to hang out with my friends, watch movies, and listen to music. Right now, my favorite thing to do is drive. I look forward to strengthening the mediation program and making it better for future years.

Quote: “You deal with life as it goes and hope for the best in the end.”

Camellia Futur

Hi my name is Camellia Futur. I am a sixteen year old junior at Hayfield Secondary. I have been active in Peer Mediation since eighth grade. I am involved in FCCLA and the Spanish Club. I enjoy playing basketball, going on the computer and hanging out with my friends at the all. Some things I like about mediation are that you can help others and you can interact with other mediators at the conferences.

Quote: “It is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all.”

Ken Harley

Hi, my name is Ken. I’m a junior at Hayfield. I moved here from Prince Georges County, Maryland in 1994, and when to Sliverbrooke Elementary until 6^th grade, and from there I attended Hayfield. I want to continue building my peer mediation skills and hopefully grow into a responsible problem solver.

Quote: “If you don’t know me, don’t judge me.”

Ashley Jenkinson

Hey Hayfield, my name is Ashley Jenkinson. I am currently a sophomore here at Hayfield. I participate on the JV Softball team and run Indoor Track. I like to stay active and busy on my free time. So, I often spend my weekends with my best friend Jen, who is also in Peer Mediation with me. Having my best friend in my class has made my Mediation experience more enjoyable. I have been in the Peer Mediation Program for four years now. I like being in Peer Mediation because I have been able to meet many new people and have made new friends. Peer Mediation gives me the opportunity to learn new conflict, solving skills, and to be able to use them in everyday life. Peer Mediation has made me open to new experiences and more comfortable with my personality.

Facts:

-love going to the beach

-love shopping at the mall

-like country music

-Returning to a few childhood memories with Jen

Quote: “Nothing in life will ever be that easy...doesn’t mean it has to be that hard.”

Emily Krouse

Hi, my name is Emily Krouse, I am 15 years old. I have been going to Hayfield since I was in first grade. I am a freshman (07) at Hayfield Secondary School. I have a brother who went to Hayfield Secondary School but he graduated in the year 2002. I am on the manager of the JV soccer team and on the varsity gymnastics team for Hayfield. In my spare time I play basketball, soccer, modeling, baby-sitting, and pet sitting. The dog I walk is my neighbors dog Gabby. I’m also an active member in my temple at Beth El’. When I was thirteen I had my bat’ mitzvah, so I am consider an adult in Jewish eyes. I have lived in VA all my life in the same house for 15 years. I got started in Peer Helping in 8^th grade. I wanted to be in mediation because I want to be a teacher and I like helping people. I have enjoyed my two years in mediation and I hope I will have more years. Both of my teachers Mrs. Kittleson (8^th grade) and Mrs. Gordon have been really cool and really helpful.

Quote: “One who does not know their past won’t have a future.”

Ashley Mangan

Hello kids. If you aren’t a kid, don’t be offended, I call everyone “kid”. Anyway, I’m Ash, I’m 18, a senior, and I’m the one who made this here mediation webpage. I’m in Peer Mediation because I love Mrs. Gordon, but besides that, I like to help people with problems. I’ve been involved in many peer counseling environments so I feel that I bring a lot of experience to Mediation here at hayfield. I’m very involved in music; I was a bass player in a band a while ago. I’m also involved in Gay and Lesbian Rights Activism, and I’m the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance this year at Hayfield. I help people who self-mutilate through a website called www.ruinyourlife.com. I urge anyone who has any issue to come to Peer Mediation and one of the mediators will be more than happy to help you and talk through the problem with you. I’m also available just to talk to on a friendly basis about anything and everything. I’m a very open person.

Quote: “Because no one is going to ruin me, if I have to I will ruin myself and it will be MY ruin. “

–My Ruin

Amanda O’Brien

Hey, my name is Amanda O’Brien and I am 14 years old. I have been doing mediation since fourth grade and I really love it and al the people in it! I am a dancer and I work with a lot of people all day long so it helps to know how to solve my problems and to help others solve theirs without resulting to the “cold shoulder” method! I am currently dancing at Virginia Ballet Company and I have recently participated in the 2003 production of The Nutcracker where I held many roles especially a new piece choreographed for me! Our next performance will be in the Spring of 2004 when we will be performing Alice in Wonderland. I was recently assigned one of the leading roles as the White Rabbit! I believe that people should give mediation a chance and go willingly! Mediation is a great process to help you work out your problems and get what you want in the end, but you need to come on your own in order to get the fully experience. J

Quote: “Love is a many splendid thing, love lifts us up where we belong, all you need is love!” –Moulin Rouge

Asia Odum

Hello, my name is Asia Odum and I am peer mediator for 2003-2004 Hayfield School Year. I am a sophomore, so that means ’06 rocks Ever since the 8^th grade, I have been in the program. The reason why I keep coming back to do the program is for the great experiences you get and the people that you meet along the way. I have been at Hayfield Secondary since 7^th grade and it has been quite an experience. I have two older sisters who graduated from this school and made quite a path for me to follow. This year has been so much fun from homecoming and the wild dances, to Powder Puff Football (crushing the freshmen), Last season for fall I participated in volleyball. It was a new experience that I would not want to give up. I made so many new friends including my coolest volleyball buddy Ashley Booth, who is also a mediator! The new sports that I have taken on and the friendships I have formed will stay with me forever. For the winter and spring season I am doing track and field which is tons of fun. My older sister was a legend at this school, so I plan on being much better then her and turning many more heads. Mediation has been an essential part of my Hayfield experience. With all the ups and the few downs I wouldn’t trade them for anything, thanks Ms. Gordon and everyone else who made the class so fun. I know one thing, next year is going to be a blast!

Quote: “C’est La Vie”

Andrew Orr
My name is Andrew Orr. I am 15 years old and I am in the 9^th grade. This is my first year of peer meditation. I have facilitated the mini-conference this year for training elementary students. I like football and I am a huge REDSKIN’s and HOKIES fan!!

Quote: “Carpe Diem”

Taqdees Razzaq

Hi, my name is Taqdees Razzaq and I am a sophomore at Hayfield Secondary School. This is my first year as a mediator and I am really enjoying the experience. At Hayfield, I have seen many unwanted situations. Girls and guys both have fights and no one does anything to prevent them. At least, this is how I feel. I wanted to prevent this from happening so I took Peer Mediation as a first step. I do lot of fun activities in the class which help me to understand the concept of conflict. I am really enjoying this class and I would recommend others to take or use mediation.

Quote: ”School is a tough time for many because it marks the beginning of adult-life.”

Patrisha Robinson

Hey! My name is Trisha Robinson. I am a sophomore here at Hayfield. I have been mediation since the 8^th grade. I never would have thought that from just learning about mediation in 8^th grade, I would one day be this involved in Hayfield’s mediation program. Mediation has helped me in so many ways. I have definitely grown as a person, improved my listening and communication skills, and have learned new things about others and myself. I have had the chance to make many new friends and have learned a great deal about respecting others opinions and beliefs. I think the most important lesson I have learned wasn’t in the textbooks, but from Mrs. Gordon and the other mediators I have learned to be myself and I am able to open myself up to people in a way that wasn’t always so easy for me to do. I am so proud of our mediation class. This year our mediation program has started strong and I look forward to having a great year!

Quote: “Obstacles are things that get in the way when you lose sight of your goals, you have to fight

through them to get where you want to be.”

Joyce Rosa

My name is Joyce Rosa and I’m a junior at Hayfield. I’m in Peer Mediation because I like helping people solve their own problems. I enjoy sleeping, and listening to music. My favorite band is The All American Rejects. In the future I want to major in Relationships. I hope that next year I will get into Mrs. Gordon’s relationships class and learn the skills associated with my major.

Quote: “I love puppies.”

Liz Sheetz

My name is Liz Sheetz and I’m a senior at Hayfield. Most of my life now is focused towards my future, but I will always remember the events and people that were in my life though out these six years. As much as I may have said “I hate Hayfield”, I really cannot picture myself anywhere else. Throughout my years at Hayfield one of the areas I decided to put my time towards was mediation. I have been a mediator since fourth grade and thought I would try and make my mark in Hayfield’s mediation program. I am currently the President of mediation and member of Fairfax.

Quote: “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” –Gladiator

Jen Simms

Hey! My name is Jennifer Simms, and I am a sophomore here at Hayfield. I have been a Peer Mediator since my eight grade year, and I have decided to follow the program through my high school career. Peer Mediation has made me more open to new experiences and more comfortable using my problem solving skills to help people work through conflicts. In my spare time, I usually can be found with my best friend Ashley Jenkinson. Peer Mediation is a great cause and I would recommend it for anyone interested in helping someone!

Quote: “Life is too short, live it to its fullest.”

Lauren Swenson

My name is Lauren Swenson, and I am a junior at Hayfield. I play varsity lacrosse and field hockey. I have been in the Hayfield’s Peer Mediation program for two years and I am now the Secretary of the FFCLA and one of the class’ representatives in the 12^th Annual Student Mediation Conference Steering Committee. Our job is to help with the planning and development of the yearly conference for all student mediators in the Metro Area.

Quote: “I am really looking forward to working with a new group of students, participating in the Steering Committee, and all the things we will we accomplish throughout the year.”

Ahmad Tariq

My name is Ahmad Tariq. I’m a senior at Hayfield I have been a peer mediator for more than three years now. I am also very involved in my religious community- the “Ahmadiyya Muslim Community”- as well as the interfaith conferences that my religious community hosts. The areas of education I wish to pursue after high school are still unclear to me and I am still deliberating over a career choice. My time as a peer mediator has been filled with memorable experiences as I have met many people over my three years of taking the Peer Mediation courses in eighth, tenth, and now, twelfth grade. I have played an active role in the propagation and advertisement of the Hayfield High School Peer Mediation program in my senior year. Mrs. Gordon has made an immense impact upon my life in the sense that her acceptance of the diverse world we live in is one of her most apparent qualities and I sincerely hope that it has impacted the lives of individuals around her as well. The world is in great need of people like Mrs. Gordon.

Quote: “Without open minds the doors to peace and tolerance are closed.”

Darius Weber

What’s up Hayfield? This is Darius and I’m currently a Junior. I have been in Peer Mediation for three years. I chose to be a mediator so I can help peers my age come up with solutions to their problems. In my spare time I like to play basketball and watch movies. Next year I plan to apply to ODU, GMU, JMU, and CNU. I also have a job where I have been working since last year. I have lived in Japan, Spain, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, Germany, and now Virginia.

Quote: “Live life to the fullest.”

Afrah Zia

Hi. I am Afrah Zia and I am a junior at Hayfield Secondary School. This is my first year as a mediator. There are so many things that are going through my mind as I am getting older. The search for a good college is the most important factor. I always wanted to be in mediation but I never thought hard about it. In my sophomore year I started to see lot of unpleasant things around Hayfield. Peer pressure was the most important factor. Everyone experiences peer pressure and I wanted to prevent it from happening. So, I decided to take Peer Mediation as a first step in solving this problem. I am glad that I took Peer Mediation because it helps me to understand the concept of a problem and helps me to find an accurate solution to the problem. I want to thank Ms. Gordon for helping me help others.

Quote: “We can’t take any credit for our talents. It is how we use them that counts.”

Mrs. Debbie Gordon

Hi I’m Mrs. Gordon, the high school Peer Mediation Instructor. I have been teaching Peer Mediation for 18 years plus here at Hayfield. Also I wrote the FCPS Peer Mediation curriculum for both high and middle school levels with our curriculum specialist, Mrs. Marge Bleiweis. It took four summers to complete our high school curriculum and we are proud of the final result. The middle school curriculum is in draft form and slated to be finished summer 2004. I am very proud of my selected 2003-2004 Peer Mediators, who are dedicated to having an outstanding program here at Hayfield. They are also leaders of Peer Mediation at the County level, being actively involved in the Fall Mini Workshop for FCPS High School Students, Elementary Student Training of our feeder schools students, and the 12^th Annual Regional Student Mediation Conference that was held on March 9, 2004 at George Mason University. I am hoping that the Hayfield student population will accept Peer Mediation as a viable option to solve conflicts through communication rather than physical assaults.

Quote: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” –Anonymous