I thought we had a great discussion in class last week. I really hearing everyone's ideas about the different subjects we cover in class. It is important that we identify what a peer mentor’s role is to make us effective peer leaders. Peer mentors can be seen in many different areas especially here at Iowa State. We have a special role as Hixson Peer Mentors because our program is so unique. I believe that students appreciate our program and we set our standards high for being great peer mentors.
Each student that enters the Hixson program is unique because everyone is facing different challenges than someone else. It is nearly impossible for us to be prepared for every challenge that our students may be facing when they arrive here at Iowa State. We can, however, explore many different common problems as a way to help us learn how to be problem solvers. The best way to help our students is to provide them with the resources to help them be successful students.
It is the little things in life that really make people’s day. I always think back to the FISH video and how we can pick our attitudes. If we are in a good mood every class period, it will help put our students in good moods and help them obtain a positive attitude. Another little thing is following up with students. Any time a student ask you a question it is very important that you follow up with an answer or a resource. This lets the student know that you care about their success and that you followed through with their concern. It is also important that after we answer their question that we follow up with them in a few weeks, just to see how everything is going. This really lets them know that you care.
I am looking forward discussing our MBTI step twos in class this week. I always find those to be an interesting and effective tool for self awareness.
Have a great week!
An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves. ~ Lydia M. Child
I agree that the Hixson Peer Mentoring Program is very unique and I know that I appreciated having to go to class twice a week because it really helped inform me about the campus and it helped me meet a lot of great people. You made a really good point in following up with an answer or resource, it really does help let the student know that you care about their success and how they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI love your point about the FISH video and how we choose our attitude. That's always been probably one of the hardest things for me. I react to the situation and people around me, but I know now that choosing my attitude is possible and as a peer mentor, it is imperative. I'm also looking for the MBTI step two to find out more about our strengths!
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