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.