Since 2023, a Burges High School student has set up a listening table in the school’s courtyard every Friday during lunch to invite his fellow students to talk with him about anything. He simply listens without judgment and doesn’t offer advice.
Ortega was inspired by the Listening Table movement founded by Orly Israel, who became an internet sensation through his Instagram account @Orlyslisteningtable, which has 154,000 followers. Ortega said before beginning his table, he reached out to Israel.
“I saw his reels on Instagram, and I was like I want do my own,” Ortega said. “I texted him and he said he wanted to spread the listening tables around the country, and I was like down to help you with that mission.”
The staff at Burges helped Ortega follow his mission by lending him the table and chairs and providing materials for posters. Student Activity Manager Ruth Bohlin said that Ortega’s passion for the project was a key reason the school approved it.
While wrapping up his sophomore year, Ortega is looking toward the future and plans to keep his table when he goes to college. He is also currently training his younger sister to take over the Burges table when she starts high school.
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