My experience as a YEOC mentor was important on a personal level because it allowed me to align my passion for leading and helping others with tangible actions. As a mentor, I supervised and developed strong relationships with ten of my high school mentees to help them with a variety of college preparatory sessions including SAT/ACT prep, case competition practice, and personal statement workshops. Serving in this role provided a platform for me to not only support high school students from underrepresented communities but also to cultivate my leadership abilities. This experience served as a steppingstone towards my larger goal of learning how to effectively lead and support others. It also helped me foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my work, through my commitment to creating inclusive environments.

• Led a nine-month mentorship program for over 180 high school students from diverse backgrounds and helped foster college access for underrepresented groups. 

• Collaborated with the program manager and fellow mentors on a biweekly basis to discuss plans for hosting YEOC sessions one Saturday a month from 8am-5pm. 

• Organized several workshops to provide mentees with essential skills for success. 

• Provided personalized support and guidance to 10 mentees, helping them grow both professionally and personally, and empowering them to reach their full potential. 

• Contributed to the team bonding committee’s efforts in developing community-building activities and building skills within the mentor community. 

Mentoring: 

Through my role as a YEOC mentor, I oversaw and provided guidance and support to high school students from underrepresented communities. I facilitated one-on-one sessions with mentees to address their academic, professional, and personal goals, offering advice and resources to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This experience taught me the importance of both active listening and empowerment in effective mentor relationships. While I developed strong mentoring skills during this role, I recognized the ongoing need to improve my ability to provide constructive feedback and empower mentees to take ownership of their growth journey as they approach their post-secondary educational journey. 

Group Development:  

I actively contributed to group development by collaborating with fellow mentors to design and implement engaging workshops and activities for the 180-person cohort. By fostering a collaborative environment, we encouraged active participation and built a sense of community among the students. This experience strengthened my ability to navigate group dynamics, delegate tasks effectively, and promote teamwork toward shared goals. While I gained valuable insights into group development through this role, I aim to further refine my facilitation skills to ensure fair participation and promote diverse perspectives within group settings. 

Appropriate Interaction:

In my role, I consistently demonstrated appropriate interaction by fostering a supportive environment for both mentees and fellow mentors. I understood the importance of building trust with high school students from underrepresented communities, and I approached every interaction with empathy, sensitivity, and cultural awareness. Whether it was during one-on-one mentoring sessions or group workshops, I ensured that all interactions were professional. I actively listened to their concerns, provided constructive feedback, and offered support tailored to their individual needs and goals. Through these interactions, I demonstrated leadership by setting a positive example and creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where everyone felt valued and empowered to succeed.

Receiving Feedback:

I demonstrated a commitment to receiving feedback by actively engaging in both formal and informal feedback mechanisms. After each session, mentees were provided with an opportunity to share their perspectives through exit surveys, enabling me to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of our sessions and areas for improvement. Additionally, during mentor debrief sessions following each session, I actively participated in discussions about the highs and lows of the session, openly welcoming feedback from both mentees and fellow mentors. By embracing feedback from multiple sources, I demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt, recognizing that constructive criticism is essential for personal and professional growth. 

Facilitation:  

In my role, I demonstrated facilitation by leading group discussions with my 10 mentees and leading workshops and activities that fostered meaningful learning experiences for the cohort. I used various facilitation techniques to encourage active engagement, foster collaboration, and ensure the achievement of learning objectives. This experience deepened my understanding of facilitation principles, such as creating a safe space for dialogue, managing group dynamics, and adapting facilitation approaches to meet diverse learning styles. While I developed strong facilitation skills during this role, I continue to seek opportunities to refine my ability to navigate challenging discussions and promote inclusive participation. 

Inclusion:  

Through my involvement in YEOC, I demonstrated competencies in inclusion by supporting equal opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. I actively advocated for diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices to be valued and included in activities and discussions. This experience increased my awareness of the systemic barriers and biases that hinder DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in educational settings, motivating me to challenge these inequities and promote systemic change. While I gained valuable insights into inclusion through this role, I recognize the ongoing need to cultivate modesty and address my own biases to effectively advance inclusion, alongside diversity and equity. 

Mission:  

As a mentor, I aligned with the program's mission to “increase the number of underrepresented students in the college pipeline and at the University of Washington Foster School of Business” (YEOC website). I dedicated myself to supporting mentees in realizing their full potential, advocating for equitable opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging within the cohort. This experience reinforced my commitment to social justice and equity, inspiring me to continue advocating for marginalized communities and working towards systemic change. While I demonstrated alignment with the program's mission, I remain dedicated to deepening my understanding of social justice issues and engaging in efforts to battle systems of oppression.