Peer Mentoring: Introduction & the Liberal Arts (Weeks 1 & 2)

I got some odd stares when students started filing into the classroom. I asked how everything was going so far on the first day, and they sat there, probably trying to understand how someone this “mature” could be in a freshman survey class. Maybe the fourth time will be the charm for me. After a few seconds, the realization that I was a peer mentor hit them, and they talked more. Some may wonder why I was so amazed to hear small talk on the first day of class. Three years ago, I was memorable for not talking. Like many of my peers, I became a five-foot-four statue of anxiety when faced with small talk or presentations. I tried my best to blend into the middle and not be noticed. Now I was relieved to initiate some the small talk instead of sitting in awkward silence on my first day of class.

Like survey class, training is also different for me this year. My interactions with, well, everyone feel natural. I’m at ease how I present myself to others. Since I’m not as self-conscious, I’m absorbing more information and am actively using it not just as a peer mentor but also as a Resident Advisor and in my personal life. Whether it’s helping students manage their time or working on my own time management, there is still plenty to learn. I could be biased with this statement, though, as I want to go into a career working with college freshmen either as an advisor or as a residence hall director.

Along with these insights, in-class discussions have been more in-depth so far this year as well. Our only in-class discussion so far has been about the “What the ‘liberal’ in ‘liberal arts’ actually means” article, but it is still nice hearing, “Oh, I see the point, and I think the author should also think about this,” instead of, “I don’t understand why I can’t just study (insert subject here) and graduate.” It seems that the students (and I) walked away with a better idea of what “liberal” in “liberal arts” means.

I’m looking forward to seeing students navigate their first semester and I my second-to-last semester. I’m excited to get to know my peers and the survey class we’re working with and watch us all change and grow throughout the semester. It’s part of the reason I continue to be a peer mentor; it’s interesting to watch how people change over the course of the first 13-15 weeks of college.