Peer Mentors Archives - Page 2 of 2 - A Bear's Life: Student Stories

This semester we have welcomed two new peer mentors to our team in the Center for Academic Success and Transition office. Peer mentoring is a free and great resource available to all undergraduate students who need a listening ear. Peer mentors are peers on campus who have a desire to help problem-solve and answer questions their peers may have about MSU and college in general. With that being said, Haleigh and Daniel are looking forward to working with students at MSU. You can use the form to fill out a request to meet with a peer mentor if you wish to do so.

Haleigh

Haleigh is majoring in Communications Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Disability Studies. (A note from me: Our peer mentors vary in their academic studies so although it may be helpful to meet with someone who shares your same degree path it is also okay to meet with someone who doesn’t. Peer mentors are peers and we are able to understand and relate to mentees, regardless of their major.) Haleigh’s tip for first-generation college students is “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance.”

Daniel

Daniel is a Biology major with an emphasis in Microbiology/Biotechnology and a Chemistry minor with an emphasis in Pre-Health (all on the pre-med track). (A note from me: Something I find unique amongst our staff in the CAST office is our different strengths and areas of interest. For example, I am a special needs education major, and Daniel and I have different ways of thinking but we both share the same desire to help other peers.) Daniel’s tip for first-generation students is “to seek opportunities to network with others and build up a support system in college because that will help you get through college while knowing that you have help!”

Why You Should Meet with a Peer Mentor

Haleigh and Daniel both agree that every MSU student should consider meeting with a peer mentor. Haleigh said the program can “help you have a smooth transition to college and get a little extra support when you need it.” Daniel added, “We can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, improve time management, and even just help students connect with others and utilize campus resources.”

If you would like to meet with a peer mentor, you can use our request form. Or stop by our Fall 2023 Peer Mentor Drop-In hours on Tuesdays 1-2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., in Meyer Library 116 (next to the Bear CLAW).

Fun Question for the Peer Mentors

Just for fun, I decided to ask Haleigh and Daniel what the strangest thing was in their backpack at the time. Haleigh had beef jerky and Daniel had a pair of safety glasses. Do you have anything strange in your backpack?

Takeaways

We’re excited to welcome Haleigh and Daniel to CAST and we look forward to students coming in to meet with a peer mentor. Peer mentors are a great resource when you need a listening ear or advice from a peer who has shared experiences.

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, a junior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I grew up on a farm.)

Who are you?

I am a sophomore from Joplin, Missouri majoring in special needs education. I’m thinking about declaring a minor although this is a thought I need to spend more time on. I absolutely love my major and I’m finally in classes related to it! I’m also involved in several organizations on campus, including Alpha Sigma Alpha, Bear Power, Peer Leading, and Unified Sports.

Why did you choose MSU?

When I toured Missouri State University as a senior I fell in love with the environment on campus. It was my first college tour so I was nervous that I would feel the same way everywhere I toured. When I visited every campus on my list my decision was easy because Missouri State stood out among the rest. I felt included and welcomed my first time on campus and have found that statement to be true since that day.

What is your favorite study spot?

My freshman year was trial and error discovering what spot on campus worked best for me. What I have come to find out is that I study better in different locations for different classes. I love the PSU because it’s a central location on campus and it has dining options if I happen to need a pick-me-up. For my stressful classes, I try to find a study spot outside like the Glass Hall balcony or out by the fountains. I also find it fun to try new locations when I am losing motivation and that is how I discovered the Pummill study location.

What was one thing you worried about before you started at MSU? How did you deal with it once you were here?

I was worried I was going to never want to leave. I know that sounds awful but I was truly so excited to get started at Missouri State that I feared I would never want to go home. While this made my transition easy it also created issues when breaks would approach. I eventually learned how grateful I was to be in a position where I loved my university and community so much that it was hard to leave instead of complaining that I had to leave. With this changed mindset, I was able to enjoy time with family and appreciate my Springfield community all the more when I returned. I do still struggle with the idea of leaving for long breaks but short breaks have now become an enjoyable “time off” for me.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me! I look forward to writing more blogs and sharing more of my struggles and victories. Until next time, Bear Up!