Knightly News

I’d waited twelve years for this moment. Ahebwa and I had spent admittedly too much time crafting a vibrant sign for our kindergarten buddy, Yusuf, asking ourselves what he’d be like, what he’d like to do, which one of us would be his favorite (obviously me). All the while, I couldn’t help but wonder, "What if he doesn't like us? What if I mess this up?" Honestly, the prospect of being a role model for Yusuf freaked me out.

We stood outside the Greer Center doors, sign in hand, eagerly waiting for Yusuf's arrival. Seniors excitedly hastened to see everyone else’s posters and pictures of their soon-to-be buddies. Of course, Yusuf was the coolest of all, but maybe I’m a bit biased.

When the doors swung open, and we rushed in to meet our little buddies, Ahebwa and I immediately spotted Yusuf. As we rushed over to meet him, he shot up, sporting a pair of bright red shoes and an enormous silly grin, offering up an impassioned high five upon arrival. The initial nervousness melted away as Yusuf began passionately explaining his new favorite game to us: the intricate high-five trick. He explained diligently, exclaiming, "Up high, down low, too slow!" 

Yusuf went on to share more about himself - his love for soccer, his friends, and his fascination with building. With each word, Ahebwa and I became more and more excited, and it was impossible not to be captivated by his enthusiasm. When it was time for him to leave, Yusuf gave us one last grin, another high-five, and an enormous hug.

In Yusuf, I see a lot of myself as a kindergartener thirteen years ago – eager to explore, bursting with curiosity, and thrilled to meet the “big kids.” I remember as I waited in anticipation for my big buddies to walk through those same Greer Center doors. I had two buddies, Brandon and Anna, and they seemed like giants to me at the time. Now, being on the other side, it's hard to imagine how I must appear to my little buddy.

Years ago, it was the simplest of things that impacted me as the little buddy. They showed me their cool toys, introduced me to puzzles and games, and patiently taught me how to play hide and seek. We flew kites together on the football field and they picked me back up when the wind toppled my five-year-old body to the ground. I cherish those memories and the connections I formed with them. Now, as I embark on this journey with Yusuf, I hope to have an impact on him, just as my buddies did for me when I was in his place.

The experience of being a buddy to a kindergartener beautifully reflects the tight-knit community and spirit that exists at Episcopal School, where students from PreK-3 to 12th grade come together to support one another. It's a testament to the school's commitment to fostering connections across grade levels and building a sense of belonging. I can't wait to see what adventures await us on this journey, and I'm excited to be part of Yusuf's life as he embarks on his own journey of growth and discovery at Episcopal.

Joey Roth is a senior and has been at Episcopal since Pre-K. He is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Troubadour Literary Magazine and tutors middle and high schoolers in the Academic Resource Center. He enjoys participating in Youth Legislature, Model United Nations, Mu Alpha Theta, and performing in theater productions in and out of school. Out of the classroom, Joey runs two nonprofits, donating proceeds to Woman's Hospital and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.