If you have had even a five-minute-long conversation with me this semester, you would know that I was a camp counselor last summer. 

I loved this job because of how much being outside and talking to children all day altered my perspective on the world.  

Now, however, it can be difficult at times to accept the fact that I am back in the real world rather than in the friendly fairytale environment of camp, where it was my job to ensure everyone was being nice to one another. 

When I watched the presidential debate, I was struck by both candidates’ incivility and disregard for core camp values.  

Suddenly, I realized that my counselor abilities are just what the committee needs to make a more effective and positive debate. 

If I was moderating the presidential debate, I would begin with an icebreaker.  

The candidates, the press and the other moderators would go around and answer a silly question.  

If the group knew each other’s favorite ice cream flavors, one secret talent they have or what color they think their aura is, they would be able to communicate with a greater sense of respect and camaraderie.  

This would also allow the audience to see a more human side of the candidates, making them more relatable.  

It would make the candidates less nervous to voice their true thoughts and be vulnerable in their answers. 

As a counselor, I called everyone “friend.” For example, I would say, “OK, friends, it’s time to get ready for lunch!”, “Can I have two friends help me carry this?”, and my most used, “Is that the way we speak to our friends?” 

If we stopped calling the candidates “opponents,” and instead assumed they were friends, they might stop attacking each other and instead work towards better explaining their individual perspectives. 

As moderator, I would also make each of the candidates give each other one compliment at the end of the debate.  

If we, as a nation, could represent our leaders as being able to give credit to and encourage the people they disagree with, we may begin to see that pattern among regular citizens. 

Although I do not see any path which could possibly bring me to a career as a presidential debate moderator, I still hope there is change coming in the way that our politicians speak to each other. 

My experience this summer led me to think more critically of people’s behavior and respect for the people around them.  

It made me realize how although we are told as kids to focus on how our words and actions affect others, it becomes much less of an expectation as we get older. 

Going forward, I encourage you to pay attention to the words and actions being used in your classes and among your friends and try to encourage more friendly and supportive conversations.