FIG Mentor Reflection

I am interested in returning as a FIG Peer Mentor for the Fall 2018 school year because I would like to continue to make differences in the lives of incoming students. This semester, I met a wonderful group of students; however, initially I was very hesitant because I constantly worried that I would not be able to perform to the best of my abilities as a mentor. While my students were in the College of Natural Sciences, they were very diverse; some had come in knowing what their major was, but many were either undeclared or looking to transfer to another college. Along with this, some students came in with many college credits while others were completely fresh to university life. Finding a common ground was very difficult with the students. Rather than planning sessions that would assist them with their course work, I …show more content…
From home-sickness to struggling being a freshman that is a junior in credit hours, I began to understand what molded them to be who they are, and the unique difficulties each one of them faced. From there I was able to take note of what I could during the FIG session to ease their frustrations, such as introducing session dedicated to studying and learning how to do so efficiently, as well as low intensity activities. However, through my one-on-one meetings, I also discovered that the entire time I felt that I was not doing enough for my students, many were actually grateful for what I have done for them. Some conveyed that the session allowed them to relax during stressful weeks and that they were able to apply many of the lessons learned from various presentations presented. Others were just grateful that I was available to talk to them one on one or provide personal advice in other to grow and become better students. Through experiences like these, it made me realize that I can make an impact on students’ lives and help them further their college