Week #3 Blog - 

    In class this week, we broke down our MBTI personality evaluations. Compared to freshmen year, the results I got back were a lot more in-depth and descriptive. I became a little more appreciative of the MBTI test this past week - I had my reservations about it before. The test described me as introspective, logical, pressure prompted, contained and spontaneous. I'd have to agree with most of these things. Underneath the data graphs, there were descriptions of how these traits are expressed or can be realized. I found most of them quite insightful. For the introvert v. extrovert test, I was labeled as a moderate introvert but I always felt that description wasn't covering the full range of my personality. There was a special section however which listed me as "always wanted to be near the action." At that point I was a believer in the test. Hopefully I can use this test as a basis to further understand myself, as well as others, and utilize my strengths next fall. 

     On Saturday, I went to the ISLE event at the Memorial Union. The entire seminar was on leadership training and working with others. The keynote speaker did a great job of identifying character traits of leaders through movie clips. His energy level was incredibly high and it clearly left an impact on his audience. He obviously knows the qualities it takes to be a well-refined leader. Above all else though, it was a refreshing presentation compared to the typical character building seminars I've remembered from high school. A strong leader can have many traits but the true measure of a leader is someone who can inspire and bring out the best in others. This is my task as a future Peer Mentor.

Blog #2 - Reflection on discussions and MBTI

    For class this week, we talked about potential situations which might arise during our fall seminar classes. A lot of these had to do with  typical questions freshmen have asked in previous seminars over the years. I found some of them to be very thought provoking. I often think that college students have similar mindsets. We go to college for a degree and whatever happens along the way is the subject of chance, our own personalities and life stories, and a little bit of everything in-between. I guess at this point in my college career, I had somehow forgotten some of the most basic questions and thoughts I had when I was a freshmen. Wednesday night brought back a few of these memories. 

    Time management, no parental constraints, and suddenly the opportunity to pick any career path definitely intimidates many newcomers to college. I was no exception to this. I had experienced new schools and moving over high school but there is a large difference from these situations and college. I'm glad we covered this aspect of being a peer mentor in class. Dealing with some of the questions posed is definitely a job requirement for a peer mentor.

    I also completed the MBTI questionnaire last week. I have always held reservations about those sorts of personality tests. I understand that different people are introverted or extroverted, or detail-oriented or "always on the fly." I understand I will be working with people who vary across the personality spectrum. However, I find it hard to believe that I am a certain type of person because I chose the term "warm" over "justice" in many similar posited questions. I find the "are you this or this" questions to be irrelevant and not taking the situation into account. That's all for this week.

Week #1 –

            I wanted to become a peer mentor because the Hixson scholarship gave me the opportunity to go to Iowa State University. I felt it was necessary in order to give back to a program which gave me so much. But this was not the only reason. The experiences and leadership training a position such as this provides will be greatly beneficial down the road in life and in any career path.

            My knowledge of the qualities it takes to be a strong peer mentor have only come from observation so far. I was lucky enough to have my two mentors – Ben and Leah. They were excellent at guiding my freshmen class and there was a night-and-day difference between them compared to the Freshmen Honors Program I was also in at the time. They were the perfect combination it seemed.

            Currently, I have no real knowledge or personal experiences at Iowa State with any peer mentor positions. This one will be my first it seems. In order to counter this, I will have to pay extra attention and be especially considerate to the readings provided within the “Students Helping Students” book. I understand it will be a gradual and time intensive process to fully come into my own in regards to the peer mentor position. Thankfully, the book provides tips for the maturation process which will ease my adjustment heading into the fall.

It will be imperative that I identify my strengths and weaknesses, and apply my strengths while improving my weaknesses to help me help others when I will have my own Hixson seminar. Reading will not be my only source of help and insights in this learning process however. I trust the seminars on Wednesday nights in addition to our scheduled retreats will help prepare me for the role I am slowly learning I will assume.