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The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
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The Importance of Social Interaction on Students’ Lives

Alvaro Castillo, Staff Reporter
April 21, 2026
Kenny Smith
POWER OF CONNECTION Freshman Alvaro Castillo meets with Director of Counseling Olivia Huie. Students meet one-on-one with school counselors, showing how simple conversations can come and turn into supportive relationships that build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and remind the students they are never alone. “Social interaction is very important,” School Counselor Mayra Martinez said. “It encourages students to advocate for themselves. It actually helps them feel heard and supported.”

Social interaction can play a key role in a student’s lifestyle. School isn’t just about homework and taking tests; it’s also about the people a student interacts with every day. Having meaningful connections with others can allow a student to feel more supported, less stressed, and have greater feelings of enjoyment at school. Student Counselor Vanessa Peña explains that feeling understood is one of the most important factors associated with social interaction.

“I think the most important part of social interaction for any student is to feel heard [and] to feel seen,” Peña said. “When people feel understood and valued, it helps develop trust.”

When students feel heard and seen, they’re more likely to open up and trust others. Especially during stressful situations, students can make use of the support from their classmates and teachers. Student Counselor Mayra Martinez believes that social interaction is crucial for a student’s personal growth.

“Social interaction is very important in any human part of being a student,” Martinez said. “It encourages students to advocate for themselves, and it helps them feel heard and supported.”

The people a student surrounds herself with can often influence decisions, attitude, and overall experience at school. Thus, having positive and supportive relationships can make a key difference in the school’s environment. Junior Mia Games believes that social interaction is about listening and building genuine connections with different people.

“I believe the most important part of social interaction is the ability not only to listen, but also to form connections [with] people of all backgrounds,” Games said.

Games’ perspective shows that connection is not just about mindless conversations but also about understanding others and building friendships with people who may be different. Even short exchanges or compliments can help someone feel included and cared for. 

Social interaction often gives students feelings of confidence and community. Having supportive friends and trusting adults can give students a more positive and enjoyable high school experience, building a community where students all feel like they belong.

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