In last weeks class, we spent time discussing the problems and challenges our students could be facing in their first year at Iowa State. We all responded to questions that could very well arise in our peer mentoring experiences. While doing this activity, I glanced back a lot at my experiences as a freshman in a whole new school with all new people. I remember how frightening it was, not knowing anyone or where anything is. I believe these exercises we have been doing in class are bringing us back and reminding all of us that we have been there, and in a way, it brings us down to that level so we can relate more to the students we will be working with.
I can honestly say, that my first year in college was amazing, and the best year of my life, but I cannot go into this role thinking every student will feel the same way. It is really important to remember that each student will have their own experiences and are coming from a different place emotionally and physically. The exercise we did with the questions was helpful in seeing all the different possible problems that our student could be facing. I don't think we need to know the solution to every single problem that could arise, but we should be knowledgeable of the other sources of information that we can refer our students to and even accompany them as they look for those solutions.
Glancing back at my freshman year, I am still thankful for my own peer mentors and the help they gave me. I hope that through our peer mentoring experiences, students will be saying the same about all of us.
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I agree with your statement that we don't have to know all the solutions to every problem they may face, but knowing places to refer our students to when we can't quite provide all they help they need will be an incredible asset down the road. I mean, we're only students ourselves. The best we can do is have an open mind and open heart to do our best in helping them find a solution. If it is not in our power to provide that solution, being able to guide them in the right direction or accompany them on the journey for answers will be enough to make sure their Iowa State experience is as positive as it can be.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be doing well with identify where you were and an even better job of realizing that nobody has the same experience. An enjoyable read!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your freshman year was amazing! I hope you can take that experience and show the students that freshman year can rock!
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