An All-Rounder Buddy🌻💙

@yourbuddy30 is an all-rounder. They support both teens and adults. Yes, they are an ATL! (Adult-Teen Listener). Let’s hear from them what ATL is and what led them to becoming one!

Fristo: What’s ATL, buddy? How can one become one?

Buddy: An ATL is someone who has access to both teens as well as the adult side. As an ATL you can listen to anyone above the age of 13 and support them in the best way possible. With the help of a Peter pan badge, you also have access to support rooms (listener and member support rooms). Here is a link that has more information regarding that. You would have to undergo a small interview and get yourself verified to be an ATL. Apply to be an ATL

Fristo: Oh, thanks for that useful information! Now, I need to ask you this. Many of us feel scared of the interview process that is required to become an ATL. Is it really very scary? How does one deal with it?

Buddy: I was very scared about the interview. I am an introvert and interviews were not my cup of cake. I understand the interview process is very tough. I had reached out to my listener coach regarding that (as they themselves were an ATL) and they made me comfortable throughout the process. I was skeptical if I had to do it but then I thought “What is the worst thing that could happen?” and my answer to that was to get rejected. But I wouldn't have the regret that I didn't even give it a try. The interview is a maximum 5-10 minute meeting. I was super nervous but my interviewer made it so easy for me. To be frank, I did fumble at one of the questions, and I thought I had failed my test but they were so sweet enough to make me feel comfortable throughout the process. It was like two people who knew each other catching up rather than an interview. It went smoothly for me and I do not regret my decision to be an ATL. They were also very accommodating about the time and very friendly. The whole process seems to be scary but in reality it is very easy and friendly for us to crack it. You can also reach out to a mentor or listener coach for more guidance or support through that.

Fristo: What was your motivation for becoming an Adult Teen Listener, and how is life like as an ATL at Cups?

Buddy: I had a special bond with one of my members and I could not let them go. I couldn't have waited till they aged up. That was my biggest motivation to become an ATL. I also thought about all the pros and cons of becoming one.

1) Have access to both the sides

2) If I fail to provide the best support to adults, I can also listen to teens and help them.

3) Attend sessions on both sides of cups (I love hosting and attending sessions)

4) I host a few teen sessions so I wouldn't have to miss that

5) I want to become an academy ambassador one day and I would need an ATL badge for that.

6) I had a good bond with my teen fellow listeners which I would then miss.

Cons-:

The ATL interview. The pros were so many that I could not let one con overpower it. Life as an ATL is fun. I can support everyone here at cups irrespective of their side. Take part in sessions, contact listeners as well as members, host sessions and lastly still be in touch with my members and listeners from the teen side.

Fristo: Were you a teen before at Cups? How was it for you to transition from the teen side to the adult side of 7Cups? If I may ask a silly question here as well: Who makes more fun company: adults or teens? 😛

Buddy: Yes I was a teen before. I evolved into an adult here. It was definitely a bit tough to transition. It felt like being a newbie all over again. I was afraid to take part in group sessions and everything seemed so new. I messaged in the listener rooms to see all the new people having a conversation. But the adult listeners were very kind and welcoming. They provide you with the best help you need. I took not more than 2 days to fit in. There are definitely a lot of changes on the adult side, but they are all good changes. After receiving my ATL badge, I found it more relaxing to be here at cups and also enjoy the adult side. Haha, adults definitely make more fun company than the teens (I love the teens too) Adults are all teens by heart so I guess cups are just teens and no adults here at cups xD.

Fristo: Any message for the teens about to age up?

Buddy: Teens, we have got your back. You would enjoy the adult side more than the teen side, I can assure you that. It is going to be easy. We got you. We will support you in the best possible way. It would be our pleasure to have you on the adult side with us.

Fristo: Any message for the adult listeners looking to become ATL but not quite sure yet?

Buddy: I understand being an ATL can be scary as I have been in your shoes not long ago, but it is definitely worth giving it a try. A 5-minute friendly interview is all it takes. There are a lot more pros than cons so I would recommend everyone to give it a thought!

Thank you so much @yourbuddy30 for sharing your thoughts and showering your kindness so generously🌻💐

Thank you so much @Fristo for dedicating some time to take this beautiful interview🌻💐

This interview is part of the Living with Leaders Interview Series. Want to engage tooooo? Give or take an interview here: Cookies on the other side🍪