For the past 2018-2019 school year I have served as a second-year mentor in the Advocates for Communities and Education Scholars Program. This has been an extra special experience for me personally, as I was able to act as a mentor for not one first-year student, but two! Over the course of these two semesters, I have developed strong relationships with both of them!
Abby Wuichner is a first-year special education major from Orient, Ohio. I feel so lucky to have been connected to this kind-hearted young woman through the mentorship program. As I got to know Abby, I came to realize that we have many similar interests. We have bonded over our love of antiques, crafting, and literature. In fact, Abby’s enthusiasm for such things has inspired me to make it a goal of mine this summer to actively make time for these hobbies, as they have been quite neglected these past two years with the hecticness of college. Abby and I also share similar career interests. Speech language pathologists and special education teachers oftentimes work hand in hand, especially in a school setting. Abby exudes a pure passion and excitement for working with children that is truly uplifting. I have loved watching Abby grow this past year as she came out of her shell. I have seen a huge increase in her confidence and outgoingness since I have gotten to know her on a more personal level!
My second mentee, Elizabeth Croop, and I were able to hit it off right away as we have an uncanny amount of similarities. This Powell native is a Speech and Hearing Science major as well! In addition, we are involved in many of the same student organizations including the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association as well as Cru, a Christian youth ministry on campus. As a result of these similarities, I have been able to have an extra special mentorship relationship with Elizabeth. I have had the opportunity to answer many of her questions regarding our shared major and the various requirements it involves. During our most recent “Explore Columbus” outing, we went over her schedule for next year, and I was able to assist her with what classes she should be taking. The most dramatic way I have seen Elizabeth grow in the past year is her journey through figuring out what she wants to be involved with in college and how to manage her time accordingly.
One way that I am different from not just Elizabeth, but my other mentee, Abby, is that both of these girls possess incredible music talent! Elizabeth and Abby are both singers. Both of them in fact have expressed interest in getting involved with an acapella group or choir next year. I have encouraged both of them to seek such opportunities out, as both of them have a clear gift for music! I can’t wait to see what they end up getting involved in next year!
I have learned so much and have truly grown as an individual as a result of the ACES mentorship program. I have become more confident in my leadership skills by working with my mentees. Over the course of the last two years, I have discovered that one of the most important factors in being a good leader is simply being able to connect with others on a personal level. I know from my own experience that the small actions of leadership are the ones that make the biggest impact. This includes the little things such as offering to grab lunch with someone, giving words of encouragement, or simply sending a text wishing them a good week! These small actions add up and show others that you genuinely care about them.
In this way, I believe that one of the most significant benefits of a mentoring program is the support system that it provides. One’s first year of college can be a very overwhelming period. There are so many unknowns involved with the transition into college. Everything from classes to getting around campus can be a daunting task. For this reason, it’s a true comfort having relationships with individuals who have gone through these same challenges.
In my past two years at Ohio State, I have found some incredible friends who have served as mentors for me. In the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association I have found guidance on classes and grad school from upperclassmen. When I was a mentee in the ACES program, I found a lifelong friend in my mentor, Grace. During our weekly lunches, Grace and I would give each other “life updates” as we called them, helping each other through the challenges of college and celebrating the joys. After having so many positive mentors in my life, I was thrilled to be able to pay it forward and be a mentor in the ACES program this past year. I am positive the future is bright for Abby and Elizabeth as they continue on their journey.