Peer Mentors truly work in different capacities for first-year students. They are orientation leaders, in they provide resources and might show them around if necessary. They are academic advisors to help guide them through enrolling. They are comrades for the students to share concerns and ask for advice. Peer Mentors truly round out the first-year students experience. They provide the guidance that generates growth within each individual experience a new student at the university has.
Throughout this past year, I have had the ultimate pleasure to work with Inclusion and Multicultural Services as a Peer Advisor. It is with their program I have learned the benefits of mentoring students throughout their first year. I have learned more about myself than I originally thought I would. I learned how to breathe and be patient as you assist students. I learned how to manage my time. I learned how to plan programs and make them successful. I think the most important strength I uncovered through this past year would be leading through being myself. You cannot let the view of the students you mentor change you. One of my favorite phrases is, "You do you," and I let that really guide who I am and how I lead and mentor others.
I have encountered students leaving the university and refusing to talk to me. I have also encountered students who do not recognize the line between friend and mentor. I recognize these as challenges that I may face again. However, I would rather focus on the students will gain. I hope the students I mentor gain knowledge, a sense of trust, and faith in themselves through interactions with me.
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