Here at Fairchild, the catwalk is more than just a shortcut between classes. During passing periods, students lean against the railings; backpacks slung over one shoulder, sharing quick conversations before the next bell rings. For many, the catwalk has become the place where students turn trusted friends into what some call “hallway therapists.”
Across campus, students are increasingly relying on peers for emotional support during the school day. These hallway therapists are the friends people meet up with on the catwalk to vent, ask for advice, or calm down before class. With growing academic pressure and social stress, students often choose peers who understand their day-to-day experiences instead of seeking out adults.
“Everyone meets on the catwalk because it’s easy and kind of private,” one student said. “You’re not stuck in a classroom, and you don’t feel like everyone’s listening.” Space has become a familiar meeting spot where conversations happen naturally, even if they only last a few minutes.
For some students, becoming a go-to listener happened without planning. One student said classmates started stopping her on the catwalk after realizing she was a good listener. “People just started waiting there for me,” she said. “It turned into our spot to talk.”
Throughout the day, the catwalk fills with quick check-ins. Friends pause there between classes, sometimes walking slowly so they can finish a conversation before splitting off. While many hallway therapists say they care deeply about helping others, the role can be emotionally demanding. “I want to be there for people,” one student said, “but sometimes it’s hard when you’re also stressed.”
Teachers and counselors say it’s common for students to talk to friends first. Peers feel more relatable, especially when they share the same classes, teachers, and social pressures. Short conversations on the catwalk feel less formal than sitting down in an office, which makes opening up easier for many students.
Still, being a hallway therapist comes with challenges. Some students feel pressure to always have answers, even when they don’t. Others say they struggle to set boundaries. “Sometimes I just listen,” one student said. “I don’t think people always need advice sometimes they just need someone there.”
Despite this, many students believe the catwalk conversations matter. Students who rely on these friends say the support helps them get through the school day. “Just having someone meet me there makes me feel less alone “, one student shared
The rise of hallway therapists shows how students are creating their own support systems in everyday spaces. On the catwalk, between bells and busy schedules, small listening moments have become an important part of school life.
As students part ways at the end of each conversation, the catwalk clears again until the next passing period, when another quite check in begins.
