Ethics and Boundaries Blog
1. In the Colvin and Ashman article, I found that the connecting link role aligns the best with my leadership style. Through SSS, I have gotten involved with NAU's educational resources and campus activities. These have helped me to feel much more comfortable here! I love to pass this on to first years because they are not always sure where to start. I have acquainted and am still acquainting myself with many of the resources on campus, which makes me feel as though I am experienced enough to be effective help to mentees. Also, I enjoy connecting people with such resources and feel warm and bubbly when I succeed in helping them feel more comfortable.
2. I think all of the following risks mentioned in the article are risks with the peer mentor role: "balancing both the specific requirements and personal desire to do well as mentors with time and other commitments," "getting very emotionally attached to students," "being too dependent on the mentor," "not accepting the mentor," "if the mentor bothered [mentees] too much," and "sometimes it’s hard for students to open up.” I feel like the article covered the risks pretty well that I have thought of, but there probably are more that I can learn from current mentors.
3. The three values I believe are of the upmost importance in a peer mentorship relationship are: Optimism, Honesty and Accountability. Optimism because it will help us focus on how to have a positive experience and stay strengths-based, rather than dwelling on Negatives. Honesty because that is the only way that problems can be resolved and true relationships can grow. Accountability so that we can both meet the tasks to help the mentee in their collegiate journey.
I completely agree with you on the values. It is especially important for a peer mentor to be accountable because you should provide support to them. The mentee needs to know that they can rely on you and can reach out with their problems.
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