Through this class I have learned what an emotionally challenging job this is going to be because we will all be working with struggling students that rely on us for guidance and encouragement. As an SSS participant myself I can personally attest to the benefits of this program and feel that as a peer mentor I will be contributing to the success of a small chunk of students that are willing to fight so they don't just become another statistic. Over these past 8 weeks I have become more knowledgeable about communication and encouraging students to open up about problems they may be experiencing. As a very personal person I can understand the struggle that some of my students may go through as they try to open up about their problems or issues. However, I feel that these past 8 weeks I have become a more open person myself and I find myself more comfortable with interactions between myself and others. I have left this class feeling more confident and open which will allow me to enter the upcoming semester with a strong head on my shoulders.
This fall I hope to gain more experience through the August training in a few areas including a more refined idea of what we should be accomplishing with each meeting. For example, are we supposed to just be there for support or is there some sort of idea or message we should be conveying within each meeting? Also, I'd like to become more comfortable interacting in front of a group because that will be something we do every two weeks with our group of students and while I know I will become more comfortable with them over time, I just want to feel more confidence in my own presentations.
Lastly, I am so excited to get to experience this new endeavor with the great people I have met in this class! I think we have a strong set of mentors that will really be able to work together to improve the SSS program even more than imagined!
I definitely understand the struggles of talking in front of a group and having good presentation skills! My introverted-ness and anxiety can sometimes get in the way of how well I really want to do, but I know that once the time comes I just have to give it the best shot and I'm sure it'll flow easier once you've done it a couple times! And I agree of how exciting it is to be doing this with such great people :) I am looking forward to the next academic year with everyone!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree how hard it can be to open up sometimes and become comfortable with the situation. Glad to hear that the training has really helped you with this. You will make a great peer mentor.
ReplyDeleteI love how your post hit the nail on the head of how all of us are probably feeling as we embark this journey. Communication is going to be the key with each other and our mentees.
ReplyDelete