Star Power: Patrick Finnegan

Meet Service Star Patrick Finnegan,12, who volunteers as a peer mediator in Savannah, Georgia. TFK Kid Reporter Madeline Martinez spoke with Patrick about his efforts.

What does a peer mediator do?

They oversee a conflict that two or more students have. They make sure both students have a chance to talk. The goal is to come to a conclusion where both students are happy.

What inspired you to become a peer mediator?

I wanted to help students with their conflicts. I also wanted to help them be more friendly to each other.

What was your peer-mediation training like?

There was a three-day training program. We were trained on how we could solve conflicts and how we could know what the students were feeling.

How do you define success in peer mediation?

Success overall is being able to help people in ways you couldn’t have imagined. People can remain friends and not have this conflict between them.

Do you think being a peer mediator has helped you grow?

In more ways than I ever imagined! It has helped me become more understanding, kind, and empathetic. I feel like I can understand people more clearly and know what they’re going through.

What advice do you have for kids who are interested in starting a peer-mediation program at their school?

Ask your counselor or your principal, and get a group of people together. Then you can get a peer-mediation trainer at your school.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.