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My most influential decision at USC was when I decided to become a University 101 (U101) Peer Leader. A peer leader is a student who helps mentor the current freshman class during their first semester at the University of South Carolina (USC). Peer Leaders help students adjust to their new home and act as a personal resource. While reflecting back on my time as a peer leader, I rediscovered my Peer Leader application. In my application I had discussed my personal goals of making the most out of my four years at USC and how I aspired to be a leader to those both older and younger than me. I highlighted on the fact that I wanted to be a leader and mentor for other students. I also discussed my professional goals of building leadership skills and improving time management and cooperation skills. The most rewarding part of rediscovering this application was realizing that I had met these goals. During my time as a peer leader I was all the things I aimed to be when applying for this position: a mentor, an advisor, a resource and confidant to my students. While in my role, I learned how much I loved to mentor students. I know my own journey at the university would not be the same without the older members in the Gamecock community that helped me on my way. I wanted to be this mentor to other students and the U101 Peer Leader position let me do exactly that.
U101 class took a field trip the the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to bond outside of the classroom.
My role as a peer leader was extremely rewarding. I learned so much about myself through this process and grew in numerous ways. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and became a leader in the classroom. Another achievement of mine is improving my time management. By being a U101 Peer Leader I was attending 19 credit hours each week. I was also working a part-time job and was an active member of a sorority and honor society. I had to learn how to manage my time and balance my priorities. I did not want the students’ experiences to suffer because I was not focusing enough attention on the class. If I did not manage my time, I knew this would cause me stress and anxiety, which would most likely lead to a lack of sleep and rushed lesson plans for the U101 class. In order to be the best mentor I could be for my class, I knew I had to have my priorities straight. Through the use of Google Calendars and an academic monthly planner, I was able to improve my ways of prioritization and time management to be sure I could be the best peer leader possible.
The reason I have fallen in love with mentoring is because of the ripple affect it carries with it. By providing advice to one person, you are increasing their knowledge and then they can go on and share this with others. This process reminds me of a neuron synapsing. In my EXSC 224 class, I learned about a pre- and postsynaptic neuron. I researched these neurons and discussed their importance in my Assignment 1 paper. The role or function of a presynaptic neurons is to conduct neurotransmitters, the information signals, towards the next neuron. The postsynaptic neuron is the neuron that receives this information and then transmits the message on to the next neuron. I see my position as a mentor as the presynaptic neuron, the one passing on information, and those who are mentees are the postsynaptic neuron, which receives the information and then can pass it on as well.
End of the year U101 activity where student's wrote something positive about classmates and instructors.
For my EDLP 520 class, I reflected on my time as a peer leader in my Mid-Semester Refection paper. I asked students in the class I taught for feedback on how I am doing as a Peer Leader, and an overwhelming amount thanked me for all of the advice, resources, and experiences I have provided to them. I was passing on signals or in this case information and advice that the students could benefit from and apply in the future. This was the neural impulse being sent from one neuron to the next. The students also appreciated the fact that I am a student who they could relate to. I would talk to them about my struggles with time management and how I overcame them through different organizational methods. I would give them real advice based on my experience when I was in their shoes. I also received feedback that students truly could tell I cared about them and wanted to see them succeed at USC. This overwhelmed me with joy as I realized how much I impacted these students and how much they impacted me. I learned that I could be an impactful mentor by having my schedule organized so I was able to prioritize my U101 class and their needs. I could offer open time in my schedule to meet up with my students if they needed to talk or just wanted a friend to have coffee with. I could be the best mentor possible staying organized and prioritizing properly. I can use my mentoring experience in my future plans by being a mentor in the work place. I plan on attending medical school, an environment which is known to be high stress and competitive, but I can take this experience and help younger students through the difficult process. Additionally, when I become an attending physician, I can be a mentor to the residents and pass on helpful information to them to help them succeed.
Assignment 1.pdfWTC: EXSC 224 Assignment 1
WTC: EXSC 224 Assignment 1
U101 Peer Leader Application 2016BTC Artifact: University 101 Peer Leader Application
BTC Artifact: University 101 Peer Leader Application
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