Every school year is bound to have a few new students from all over the world. Adjusting to new surroundings can be tough, but with the help of PHS Ambassadors, students are able to feel more welcome to the Bulldog family.

In previous years, PHS Ambassadors were in charge of giving school tours and being a friendly face around campus to new students, helping to integrate them into the community. 

“I love meeting new people,” co-founder and senior Saad Siddiqui said. “Meeting new students and being really friendly is so nice for [them]. They love to see that there’s a friendly person there smiling and ready to talk to them when they come to a new school.”

Because of social distancing regulations, ambassadors are no longer allowed to conduct in-person activities, which are the majority of their duties as ambassadors.

While some members express that they may lack the same closeness they had before with new students, ambassadors have found other ways to stay involved. Some conduct Zoom meetings with their assigned student or stay in touch through social media. 

“This year has been crazy for everybody, but we have had to switch to virtual lessons for our new ambassadors,” co-founder and senior Bailey Cooper said. “I have been able to meet some of them in person, and I am so excited for what our program holds. If we could get through this, we could get through anything.”

Though the program has had to adapt in many different ways, members still make a large effort to keep in touch and find ways to reach out to new students to make their transition smoother.

“My phs ambassador texted me and answered any questions I had about the school, she met up with me, helped me find my classes, introduced me to new people & made me feel very welcomed,” junior and transfer student Jade Hunter said. “It was really good to already know someone from the school. She was so nice and helpful with whatever I needed. It made my transition to the school so much better.”

Not only does PHS Ambassadors have a large and welcoming effect on new students, but it also brings a new perspective upon the ambassadors themselves.

“This program has shown me that when you experience change such as changing schools, you are not alone,” junior Garance Ha said. “PHS Ambassadors helps new students feel welcome and helped, but it also makes its members feel loved, like they are a part of a family, and that no matter what happens, you always have Portola by your side… With all that is occurring in our world now, we need each other more than ever.”