JLN Year 2:

Engaged Learning

Purpose

OTEAM Summer Team

My role as a mentor is to Support incoming students (Freshmen) in their college experience here at IUPUI. Coaching freshmen through the orientation process and giving them a first-hand look at what being a Jaguar is all about. Setting up meetings twice a semester to check on how classes are going and to know how I can support them. This is my second year of being a mentor, and I love being a mentor because it improves my confidence level, leadership, and communication skills. Every year as a mentor, I always look forward to forming a healthy relationship with my mentees.

My Role as a first-year seminar mentor is an integral component of my engaged learning journey, serving as a bridge between theoretical coursework and real-world application. Through coursework in education, particularly UCOL classes, I've gained foundational knowledge to understand students' learning and developmental needs, enabling me to tailor my support accordingly. Additionally, my involvement in student organizations and volunteering has honed my leadership and communication skills, while personal life experiences have cultivated empathy and resilience, enhancing my ability to provide practical guidance to students facing emotional challenges.

This engaged learning experience not only prepares me for my future career in engineering by enhancing my communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills but also allows me to make a tangible impact on students' lives. It connects various aspects of my education and equips me with the practical insights needed to excel as a mentor and future engineer.

Prior Experience

My Mentees and I in a classroom setting

Community Connection

I and my instructor going over some stuff and advocation for my mentees

New Skill Learned (Advocating)

As a Mentor, I had the opportunity to advocate for some of my mentees living on campus. I reported to the housing authorities that a group of students were going into other students' dorms without permission and stealing from them and there have been consistent loud noises after the quiet time, students expressed concern with RAs, but the matter wasn’t addressed. That was my first time advocating for students. I look forward to developing my advocating skills and being open to addressing unfair situations.

My experience has provided valuable opportunities to engage and learn from different communities and cultures. These interactions have had a profound influence on my attitudes and beliefs about myself and others.

Through my role as a peer mentor, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse group of mentees, each hailing from different cultura backgrounds. This exposure allowed me to witness firsthand the richness of diversity within our community. Interacting with individuals from various backgrounds has increased my cultural awareness and sensitivity. I've learned about different traditions, customs, and perspectives that I might not have encountered otherwise. This has broadened my understanding of the world and helped me appreciate the beauty of cultural differences. I've also had the opportunity to share my own culture and experiences with my mentees, creating a two-way cultural exchange that enriches both parties.

These interactions have shattered many stereotypes I might have held. I've realized that preconceived notions about people based on their cultural or ethnic backgrounds are often inaccurate and unfair. This has made me more open-minded and less judgmental.

Working with individuals from different communities has sharpened my communication skills. I've had to adapt my communication style to be more inclusive and considerate of varying language proficiencies and cultural norms. Being a peer mentor has honed my leadership skills, as I've had to lead by example in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all.

My experience as a peer mentor has been a transformative journey that has deeply influenced my attitudes and beliefs about myself and others.

Impacts Of Engaged Learning on Me

My Time serving as a mentor has had a profound impact on both myself and the population I served. Through this experience, I've grown personally and professionally, developing crucial skills in communication, empathy, and leadership. Interacting with a diverse group of individuals has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. I believe I've made a positive impact on the population I served by providing guidance, support, and encouragement, particularly during transitional periods like entering college. Conversely, the population I served has also had a significant impact on me. Their unique experiences and perspectives have challenged my assumptions and broadened my understanding of the world. Overall, this engaged learning experience has created a lasting difference by fostering personal growth, mutual understanding, and a sense of community. I leave this experience with a greater appreciation for diversity and a commitment to continued learning and advocacy for inclusive environments.

I am committed to continuing my journey of growth and advocacy. Next, I plan to leverage the skills and insights gained from my mentorship experience to further my career goals in engineering. I will seek opportunities to apply my enhanced communication, leadership, and empathy skills within my field, aiming to contribute to inclusive and innovative solutions. Additionally, I am inspired to champion causes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within my professional endeavors and broader community engagements. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of fostering supportive environments, and I am eager to continue making a positive impact wherever I go. Whether it's seeking new experiences or championing causes, I am committed to using my newfound knowledge and skills to effect meaningful change and contribute positively to society.

Career Connection

TAKE AWAY...

My overall experience as a mentor has been profoundly enriching, with my biggest takeaway being the transformative power of meaningful engagement with diverse communities. Through my role, I've cultivated empathy, sharpened my communication and leadership skills, and deepened my understanding of cultural diversity. Witnessing the impact of mentorship on individuals' lives has reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive environments and providing support to those in need. This experience has not only shaped my academic and career trajectory but has also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It has taught me that genuine connections and mutual learning are the cornerstones of personal and professional growth, leaving an indelible mark on my journey forward.

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