Algorithms. Astronomy. Animation. There are so many intriguing classes at the high school, yet one required class seems to stick out like a sore thumb: Advisory. Also known as “Hub” or “T-block,” this special bi-weekly class was created with a grand ambition. According to the official BHS Welcome Book (2025-26 edition), the goals of the program include: developing community at the high school, fostering social-emotional well-being, helping students develop a sense of self as a lifelong learner and more.

Yet these objectives are rarely achieved. Instead of actual conversations, Advisory is reduced to aimlessly reading off PowerPoint slides provided for each session. When it comes to “circle time,” where students are prompted to answer deep questions about topics such as their mental health, responses are often half-hearted. Frankly, what is supposed to be a time of sharing and conversation becomes a race to see how many slides we can get through before the end of the 45-minute block.

But Advisory does not have to be a waste of time. It has the potential to be one of the most meaningful aspects of the school schedule. Unfortunately, its structure and participation often prevent it from reaching that potential.

So, how do we fix this problem found in advisories? Here are some ways to participate and enjoy the class without it becoming too awkward:

1. Set Monthly Goals

Sometimes, Advisory feels unproductive because students are unaware of what they are supposed to gain from it, as it differs from academic classes with tests and projects. To combat this aimlessness, we should set one simple, shared goal as a group and work towards it for a month. For instance, set a monthly goal like “engage in conversation at least once.” The next month, build on it by shifting the objective to “initiate a conversation once per session.” When students understand the purpose behind each class, conversations will feel more intentional rather than forced. Suddenly, Advisory would shift from a passive block to something students actively work toward together.

2. Smaller Circles

Instead of spending 10 minutes moving desks around to form one big circle, we should try engaging in conversation with smaller groups instead. According to Harvard Kennedy School, small-group learning improves academic achievement and promotes psychological well-being. By utilizing smaller groups, students could engage in more personal conversations with people they are familiar with, since they create a low-pressure environment where students feel more comfortable carrying on meaningful conversations.

3. Get Creative

Sometimes, it’s completely fine to stray away from the agenda. After going over the important information, we should brainstorm fun prompts to answer, debate diverse topics or share funny stories. Advisers shouldn’t confine themselves to the premade slides and instead should work to engage everyone in the class. Here are some interesting talking points you could use, produced by the New York Times:

Is Prom Worth It?
Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School?
When Do You Become an Adult?

4. Study Days

Advisory can become an academically productive time, too. We should set aside certain T-blocks for homework or studying instead of the usual discussions and PowerPoints. As the Academic Resource Center at Harvard University states, studying in groups can be an excellent way to strengthen your understanding of course material and build accountability into your week.

5. Connect

The most important factor of Hub is to cultivate connections with your peers. While it can be hard to talk about your struggles to people you only meet once every two weeks, they can bring a myriad of fresh perspectives and knowledge to guide you. Start small by making conversation with a couple of students close to you, and later branch out to the whole circle. You might be surprised by how understanding and sympathetic your classmates can be.

Ultimately, the participation of students creates diverse and special versions of Advisory. When all members of the class start engaging and are willing to change their perspective, this “boring” class can become one of community and acceptance. After all, as the high school motto goes, “We Create the Culture we Want.”