During Lipscomb University's freshman orientation last year, I was trying my very hardest to attend all of the sessions offered. One afternoon, I nearly allowed myself to skip one since I had been to what seemed to be an endless amount of sessions already that day (and was desperately wanting a nap). I cannot remember what triggered me to attend instead of skipping out, but I easily consider whatever that motivation may have been to be divine intervention.

God knew I needed to be at that session to hear Mallory Whitmore, IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) Program Director, talk about the work she was doing in the College of Education to allow young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to embrace the college experience. Becoming an IDEAL peer mentor was the first extracurricular I signed up to do, and the rest is history! Fast forward to today, I want to share with others just how rewarding being a peer mentor with the IDEAL Program can be.

As a peer mentor with Lipscomb University's IDEAL Program, you will find yourself:

1. Making a positive impact on campus.

IDEAL students are a vibrant, important part of Lipscomb’s campus community! There is no joy greater than having lunch at Chick-Fil-A with your mentee, going to a basketball game with him or her or simply walking from class to the library and having a nice chat. Sharing Lipscomb’s facilities, faculty and friendships with IDEAL students is a beautiful way Lipscomb is fulfilling its mission each and every day and being even the smallest part of that is a complete honor.

2. Forming meaningful relationships with IDEAL students and staff.

Being an IDEAL peer mentor isn’t something you just do during the school day; it’s truly a part of who you are! Mentorship in the IDEAL Program allows for lasting friendships and connections with fellow peer mentors, IDEAL staff, faculty and, of course, the IDEAL students themselves. IDEAL is more than an initiative on campus — it’s a family unit.

3. Shaping your own future while helping shape someone else's.

Service to others should be the primary focus when becoming an IDEAL peer mentor, but the way the program will impact your personal life will be evident as well. I had very little experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities before going to college, yet I now would consider it one of my deepest passions. The IDEAL Program is actively changing lives, and not just the lives of IDEAL students!

4. Being inspired by the IDEAL students you work with and get to know.

On the days I don't feel like studying or can't find much desire to apply myself in class, getting to work with a mentee totally brightens my day. IDEAL students are truly impassioned by the opportunity to pursue higher education, and I believe that is because they didn’t always know that opportunity would be available. As someone who knew college would be a reality for as long as I can remember, working with someone who perhaps didn’t always know college would be a guarantee is a tremendous motivation and inspiration. IDEAL students work hard, give it their all and always look for a way to improve. It is this determination and drive that carries across all IDEAL students that makes me what to be a better student myself.

5. Being a part of breaking down barriers society has put in place.

The deck is still stacked against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in America today, especially when it comes to higher education and employment. The IDEAL Program has taught me that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have so much to offer this world in all areas, and it is now my personal mission to help others recognize that truth as well! IDEAL students have all the same goals, dreams and aspirations as any of the rest of us, and it is our job to help them transform those goals, dreams, and aspirations into a sustainable reality. When we build the necessary bridges where gaps have been exposed, not only IDEAL students— but truly everyone in our communities — will reap the benefits of their unquestionable talent and potential.

For more information about Lipscomb University's IDEAL Program, visit their website.