In the Potomac community, when someone says “advisory,” many people first think of the snacks. And sure, advisory is a great place to grab a bite to eat, especially if your advisory’s “snack schedule” is functional. But as for your correspondents and other Potomac students, advisory is so much more than that.
According to Anna Buchakjian ‘29, advisory is a place where she can “bond and feel included.” Advisory also is a great way for people to meet and connect with classmates they do not normally interact with.
“Although I was new, advisory allowed me to create friendships outside of the people I see in class and has become a comforting place full of people I can trust,” Buchakjian explained.
However, it took April Tian ‘29 a little bit longer for her to appreciate her advisory.
“In the beginning,” said Tian, “I was a bit skeptical about my advisory because I didn’t know my fellow advisees that well. I was put into an advisory with a teacher that I was unfamiliar with, two new students, and other returning students that I had not talked to much before. So yeah, at Freshman Orientation, I was not that excited about my advisory.”
Tian later emphasized that throughout the 9th grade trip, however, her conversations with fellow advisees slowly became “less awkward and more enjoyable.”
“After the 9th grade trip, I started to realize how important my advisory is, not just for snacks, but for advice, jokes, and for a sense of community and belonging. Throughout this year, I have gradually learned the whole reason why Potomac has advisories and why you stay with the same advisory for four years,” Tian said.
Similarly, Isabella Song ‘27 appreciates Potomac’s custom to keep advisories together for all four years of high school.
“Advisory is the constant in my Upper School experience. Classes and teachers change each year, but I always have my advisory and advisor to lean on,” she explained. Having the same advisor for four years allows the advisor and each of their advisees to get to know each other, enabling the advisor to meet the specific needs of each student and providing each student with a trusted adult.
At Potomac, advisory is a safe place where students can meet new people, engage in meaningful conversations, and take a break from schoolwork. The regular meetings with your advisory allow meaningful relationships to blossom and thrive in the midst of school work. For us, advisory is a safe community and trusted place where we truly feel Potomac’s core value of respect exemplified by our fellow advisees and advisors. Potomac’s advisory system fully embodies togetherness, allowing students to thrive and grow as people throughout their high school experience.
