Mentor Experience 

What has been your major takeaway serving as a peer mentor? 

I learned that I actually had more advice to give than I thought I would have. Initually going into the 2nd year of the program I was worried I would not know enough about the school yet to be able to help a whole other person around.  But as the process continued I learned that I actually self contiously learned a lot more than I had realized, and was actually pretty successful at offering advise to my meentes.  It also taught me how to list to my own advise.  It's easy to tell another person who is struggling to do something, but I had to learn to actually listen and do the things I was telling them to help my own college career. 

How has mentoring contributed to your professional development? Or personal growth?

By far my biggest take away was my communication skills.  I learned how to listen and respond within a timely manner.  While also improving my time management and scheduling skills.  To ensure that we can find a time to meet not only when I am available, but a time that fits my mentees busy schedule as well. 

How did it shape your expectations about mentoring? 

I started out excited for the overall experience.  When we were given our mentees, I was ready to form a relationship with someone who's struggles and fears I could understand because I went through the same thought process my first year.  However, after a lot of learning and personal evaluation it did end up being harder but more fulfilling than expected. 

What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

I have actually had the opportunity to have two mentees.  Then after some challenges I had to undergo a serious self-evaluation.  I had to learn to look deeper into a situation and pay attention to details, while also ensuring I am being helpful, but not overbearing.  I pride myself on being a good listener, but the situation thought me that I need to listen deeper than what was actually being said.  With my new mentee we have taken the time to get to know each other and actually sit down and answer the questions she is having together.  Things like emailing her calculus professor, signing up for tutoring, planning out free time in her schedule so she isn't over working herself.  My main take away was ensuring that I was not only promoting a successful academic career, but also a stable mental state and proper personal care. Which I know from experience a lot of freshmen forget to take into consideration.