Perspectives from A College Freshman and her Mentor
By: Tracy Young
Silvia, who just completed her first year at UC Merced as a Civil Engineering student, answered a few questions about how it's been to have a mentor her first year in college. Karen, who mentored Silvia during her last year of high school as well as her first year in college, answered the same questions, but from the mentor's point of view.
A student's perspective:
1. How is having a mentor different now that you’re in college (compared with when you were in high school)?Silvia: Having a mentor in college compared to a mentor in high school is extremely different. In high school, my mentor helped with the college application process and checked in on me every week. In college, she still checks up on me about how I’m doing in school but now she also gives me a lot of life advice. She talked me through a couple situations and always gave me advice on how to stay out of the drama.
2. Give an example of how having a mentor has helped you in your first year of college.
Silvia: My mentor has really been there for me on a level that my parents couldn’t be since they didn’t go to college. Towards the end of my first semester I started having problems with my roommate. My mentor gave me advice on how to stay out of the drama and reminded me that I only had to live with my roommate for a couple more months.
3. What's your favorite part of the Reach mentoring program?
Silvia: My favorite part of the mentoring program is definitely just having someone there to talk to - someone who can understand what you are going through and how tough college can be.
4. What is your advice to mentees starting college?
Silvia: Talk to your mentor! If you are having trouble with something ask your mentor for some advice. They remember how difficult college can be, especially the first year, so they can help you get through it!
The mentor's perspective:
1. How is having a mentee different now that the mentee is in college (compared with when they were in high school)?
Karen: In high school, there's a lot more structure about meeting deadlines for the FAFSA, college and scholarship applications, etc. But in college, a lot is new to the student, so they need general guidance. Maybe the student needs help figuring out their tuition bill, or they have a tricky roommate situation, or they are trying to figure out how to start a study group. Although I talk with my college mentee a little less frequently, it's great to hear about how she's doing, answer any questions she has, and ensure she's on the path to college graduation.
2. Give an example of how having a mentee has helped you.
Karen: Mentoring students has helped me realize that kids have a lot of challenges I didn't experience, even being first-generation and low-income myself several years ago. Not only is college much more expensive, but they also had to deal with the difficulties of online classes during the pandemic, and a more competitive college application process. Mostly, mentoring students has helped me realize I can make a difference. I never realized how proud I would be of my mentee, and how great I would feel talking to them each week.
3. What's your favorite part of the Reach mentoring program?
Karen: I have to say I have two favorite parts: 1) the support and structure the Reach Foundation provides mentors is amazing, and 2) the opportunity to build a relationship and gain the trust of a student is very rewarding.
4. What is your advice to mentors of students starting college?
Karen: The college students may not seem like they need a lot of help all the time, but it's very helpful to meet with them regularly and ensure they are on track. Questions do come up. Check in with your student to ensure they are doing well mentally, emotionally, and socially. A lot is new during this time, and it can be stressful for them. Sometimes the students need guidance; other times they just want someone to listen.