HOME

Returning as an FYE mentor for the First Year Program here at Albion College is something that greatly appeals to me on many levels. There have been many experiences both as a mentee and mentor that have led me to strongly believe in the importance of the FYE program. Many aspects to the FYE program can be challenging yet there are numerous others that help me to grow personally as well as share my experience with others.

New students at Albion College have much transitioning to do. As an FYE mentor, I would hope to be influential in making their transition from home to college with ease. As an involved student here on campus, I know almost every aspect of campus and which people to contact when a First Year needs help in any area. Also, I bring an enthusiasm to get out and try new things to the group. I am a promoter of not only campus but community activities as well. Furthermore, I find that I can communicate with any person, whether they're outgoing or shy, and introvert or extrovert, I can find some level upon which to build trust and establish communication.

As I prepare as an FYE Mentor, it makes me reflect on my experience as a first year. I remember that I never felt connected with my mentor. However, I can remember that the bonding she created within my group was amazing. I am still friends with people today with which I went through the first year experience. I remember that the things we learned in our FYE association meetings we sometimes helpful and I knew that everyone's presence in our meetings really helped stimulate conversation. When I look back remember, it's a little sad since half of my original FYE group has since transferred to other colleges. Our FYE experience was very helpful in getting me acclimated to campus, I only wish that I had established a closer connection to my mentor.

This past year of FYE Mentoring was more than I could ever imagine and I can only hope to continue to have as much mentoring success in the next year as I did with my Drama in Education students. I hope to continue to gain world views from my mentees. It is always interesting to see what conversations my individual mentees can stimulate within the group. This year I co-mentored a seminar and had a lot of fun. However, I also look forward to mentoring on my own as well. Gaining the experience of being a role model and influencing younger generations in positive ways is something that draws me to the program.

As a FYE Mentor there are many positives to the group but many challenges also arise during the school year. One of the biggest challenges to me is that of opening up the quiet students in the group. I had a mentee this year that was quiet and somewhat reserved. However, is was really cool to get her input on subjects. I think the biggest challenge is not crossing the line between calling on them just to get them to speak up versus calling on them to get their opinion. I found that an easy way to get the quiet members of the group to speak up is to draw them into conversations through our shared folder, where they aren't put on the spot in front of everyone. Then the conversations held in the folder are easily transitioned into the association meeting and allow the less outspoken people to have input since they feel prepared to have the conversation. Despite challenges that may arise, the training we receive prepares us to handle anything that happens and actually it's helpful to face and overcome these challenges as a FYE Mentor.

Mentoring is one of the greatest experiences that a person can have. I have found that on every level of mentoring, be it young and old, one on one or group, that I gain just as much as the people I mentor. My experiences as a mentor to the middle school students and college students has helped me communicate to others my belief in their abilities. It is always nice to have a venue to build other people up. The FYE Mentoring program allows for the sharing of information and ideas in a very open atmosphere and I look forward to being considered for rehire as a mentor for all that it has given to me this past year.