I had the pleasure mentoring Natalia Seeman’s these past two semesters. Through various conversations and hanging out with each other, I learned so much about Natalia. As an exploration major, Natalia has still not declared a major, but she is thinking of studying political affairs or education. Her interest for political affairs peaked when she took her Intro to Public Affairs course in the spring semester. Natalia’s interest in education has always been something that she was interested in but lately she is strongly considering since she wants to become a high school teacher. Therefore, next school year, Natalia will be finalizing what her major will be and what potential career path she wishes to take.

Natalia’s from Dayton, Ohio. She came to Ohio State because her older sister and brother attended OSU. Because she came to campus many times before enrolling, Natalia did not find the size of the campus intimidating as many new students feel. Even though her siblings had a great influence on her college’s choice, she also felt the supportive community that is here at OSU was another huge factor in her choosing to go here. As well, Natalia has found ACES very helpful in helping her establish a supportive community as a first year. Through ACES, Natalia has made many close friends. Matter of fact, Natalia will be living with another ACES member next school year.

Early on, I found out Natalia was very into volleyball. All throughout high school, Natalia was very much involved in the school’s volleyball team. Even at OSU, Natalia has joined the Casual Sports Club, in which has allowed her to play volleyball on her free time.

Natalia and I connected early on due to our very outgoing personalities. When we were doing the mentorship speed dating, I recalled we both making jokes and our love for food. Since then, I knew Natalia and I would get along just fine. Also, we both had very similar first year experiences, thus it was ease to help her since I have had that previous experience. Some differences that Natalia and I have aren’t many. I would say the biggest difference is that I don’t like watching or playing sports, but Natalia loves them.

Mentoring Natalia this past school year, I was able to see her grow as a student. At first, Natalia struggled with academics due studying the same way in high school. Yet, we were able to work through it and now she has found an effective way to study for her college courses. As well, I have seen Natalia transform from a teen to a young adult through this mentorship. For example, Natalia got a job this summer and next school year to pay for her apartment’s bills.

Through this mentorship, I have grown as a leader by improving on my communication skills. I had to make sure that Natalia understood what I was trying to say when I was helping her on a topic. Therefore, I really worked on how to communicate effectively to someone who is my mentee. I learned through this mentorship that no matter how long one has been at OSU, they have something helpful to say to someone. Even though, I have been at OSU just one more year than Natalia, I have good and bad experiences that I used to better help Natalia.

At the beginning of the mentorship, I helped Natalia by giving her recommendations to certain areas here in Columbus she should experiences. We even went out a couple of times to explore Columbus. Also, I helped Natalia acquire resources that would help her succeed at OSU academically, financially, and emotionally. Mentoring Natalia was just being available for her to text me or wanting to meet up with me. We had a very relax mentorship that I made sure to provide sources for Natalia and just being there for her.

The benefit of the mentorship program was getting to continue to work on skills of a leader that I would use in the future. Next school year, I am going to be an RA at Jones Tower. Thus, this mentorship has provided me with valuable experiences and lessons that I will use to help my future residents.  Overall, I had an amazing time mentoring Natalia. Despite our mentorship is over, I will still keep in contact with her to help her during the remainder time at OSU.