Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people process their feelings in order to find the internal motivation needed to change their behavior. It is a practical and powerful practice that validates the other persons emotions and takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes. Motivational interviewing is great to use as a Peer Educator when assessing students needs and being supportive of them.
When you're interviewing students in need, remember the importance of active listening, empathizing, making them feel heard, and using your OARS. Further, understand that some students may come ready to change or seek services but others may not. In this module, you will be given several different scenarios. Read through them carefully and use the surveys to tell us how you would respond to the given situation using OARS.
If someone approaches you and reveals that they are in a crisis, do not forget to take down their name, PID, and email address. Once you have finished speaking to the student, pass this information on to your supervisor.
Ryan is a first year transfer student living on campus. They were in the foster care system and have no family support. They realize halfway through their first quarter that their dining dollars won’t last past halfway through Winter Quarter, as they've also needed to use these funds for toiletries, etc. Ryan is only eating 2 meals a day and his hunger is affecting their academic abilities.
Alex is a first-gen transfer student who came to UCSD without housing; they looked for weeks before the Fall Quarter started but weren’t able to secure a place within their budget. They've been staying in a local hotel a few nights a week when they've got classes and going home a few hours away on the days they don’t have classes in order to save money. Additionally, Alex doesn’t have a car so they've had to ask friends and family to drive them or take Lyfts. Due to all of this, they have been having a hard time concentrating on their classes.
Taylor is a student who is close to graduating and has maxed out their financial aid. They're able to pay their rent and buy food but not able to buy books or medication. They're trying to figure out how to get the necessary books and materials for their classes and are choosing not to take their medication for the time being.