Setting good examples for the students is a crucial part of being a mentor because once you build strong relationships with the students, they will look up to you. Making sure you are always paying attention and listening to others shows the students how to properly act in a learning environment. Creating boundaries between being the students' friend and mentor is important too because the kids need to feel comfortable around you, but too much to the degree they treat you simply as a friend in class to talk to when the teacher is speaking.
- Ondine Scrimgeour
Professionalism is key in order to ensure a strong connection with the students in the classroom. My advice is to show every student the same level of respect, especially when students come to you and ask for support, or are struggling.
- Matthew Boston
The best way to stay professional while being an academic mentor is to treat the classroom setting as if it were your regular class. You are not there to have a free block, you are there to set and example for the students and be of help to get them to achieve their goals. Rather than being just their mentor, try to connect with them on a more older sibling level. You are most likely older than the student and can use this age gap as a way to spread your wisdom and really be a supportive figure for them.
-Lauren A
Being professional is very important, and I found that keeping eye contact with the teacher, not going on your phone, and not being a distraction sets an example for the other students. Being an example sets a standard, and although you are there to help answer questions, you are also there to model how a successful student acts.
- Jake Boston
Maintaining professionalism as an academic mentor includes having a non-judgmental approach towards students and having the patience and understanding towards any student you may work with.
- Aparna Thiagarajan
As an academic mentor, professionalism may be a difficult thing to maintain with students. Since you have less than four years between you and the students, it is quite easy to become more of their friend. Learning when you can have a bit more fun and when to be serious and do work is something that you can learn through experience with the students. Professionalism not only builds that respect with your students, but also builds appropriate relationships that will help you and your students throughout the term.
- Ava Leifur
I think the best way to stay professional is through being a model example for the students. This could be through active listening, eye contact, and asking supporting and thoughtful questions. These show the students a respectful way to act, while still allowing for a bond and connection with the students themselves. I feel a positive bond with the teacher as well as the students will set you up for success as a mentor.
- Gabe Vogel
I've found that being professional is key in building relationships with your students. You should set an example for the students to follow and act as you would while in a normal class. While you are their friend, your first task is to help them learn and keep them on task, so finding the happy medium between being friendly will help quite a lot.
- Aadi Gawade
It can be hard be professional with students your age, but you just have to set a good example for yourself and others around you.
-Maida Ibrahim