Tomorrow, October 5th, is World Teacher Day! In celebration, PeerForward is highlighting Basheeru Camara, who acted as an Advisor for The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem during the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Camara accompanied his students to PeerForward’s University of Redlands Workshop this past summer, where our marketing team got the opportunity to speak with him about how he saw his students blossom over their 4 days with us and how he thinks this experience will impact the culture of their school moving forward:
How do you think your Peer Leaders will add to the culture of their schools?
I think the Peer Leaders will bring a unique culture through this peer to peer work. I believe that students do a lot better and are more motivated when their peers are doing exceptionally well. I think that the Peer Leaders will bring a certain drive and motivation to their peers, and it will shift the whole culture of the school.
What did you notice/appreciate your students while you were at this Workshop?
I think my students set the tone. I think my students got out of their shells. It was interesting, because we are ‘Eagles’ from 5 different schools (The Eagle Academy for Young Men has schools in each of the 5 boroughs of New York City, all of which attended our University of Redlands Workshop) and our whole network just came together as brothers. I think the fact that they came out of their shells and built a brotherhood within these 4 days is very impressive.
As an Advisor, how do you empower your students to fully embrace their role?
Honestly, as an Advisor, I take the passenger seat, and I allow my students to drive. I just support them as much as I can with whatever ideas they have. I support it, and maybe try to add some things, but I like to let them take full control.
What words of affirmation would you like to give to your students as they embark on this new journey?
Continue to stay resilient. I think that life will throw barriers and obstacles your way, some that you are accustomed to and some that may be new, but as long as you keep that same resilience and you carry that with you, success will be inevitable.
Are there any standout moments for you from this Workshop?
That’s a really good question! I think that the biggest moment would be the dance. Seeing not just my students, but the students in general, the Peer Leaders, come together meant a lot. They didn’t know each other when they arrived on Wednesday, but come Saturday, they were like brothers and sisters hyping each other up, and I had the opportunity to witness that.
Basheeru Camara has since taken a new position outside of the Eagle network, but the impact he had on our Peer Leaders remains. Thank you to all past and present educators like Mr. Camara who dedicated their time and effort to supporting the next generation of leaders. Happy World Teacher Day from your PeerForward Family!
