When I first started college I didn't really want to get involved because I wanted to focus on school and get a degree. I mean, that's the main reason we come to college, right? Well, I got involved in a couple of things here and there, but never really stuck with it because I either lost interest or got too busy. Here I am, my senior year of college, I am just now realizing how important it is to get involved on campus. I am on The Big Event recruitment committee and I am also a Peer Mentor.
Becoming a peer mentor has been one of the best decisions I've made in college, other than changing my major. It has really opened my eyes up to a lot.
1. I get to share advice with freshmen
By being a peer mentor I get to be in a class with about 25 freshmen and I get to answer any questions they have and help them out with their first year of college. College is definitely stressful during your freshman year and you get lost or have a lot of questions about college in general. Even in the first week back to school, I have been able to hang out with some of them on campus, including their first couple days of school where they started before everyone else. I was able to give them all kinds of advice about my experiences from my 5 years in college. We were able to all get to know each other and we had fun.
2. I get to be a leader on campus
I consider being a Peer Mentor a special experience because only a few out of several thousand students get to be one. I went through a retreat and training getting to know other peer mentors and learning how to become more of a leader on campus. The freshmen look up to us because we have been there before and they want to know how this college thing works.
3. I get to be involved on campus
Like I said earlier, being involved on campus really helps you out in your college career. You meet people from all walks of life and get to know them. By getting involved you are gaining new friends and even sometimes a study buddy. To me, getting involved is one of the best decisions you can make throughout your college career.
4. I feel like I'm giving back
Just going through the motions in college is no fun. You have to do stuff that you are interested in and share moments with your friends. I feel like sharing my college experience with freshmen is a good example of giving back. I get to tell them and show them what college is all about and to me that's one of the most rewarding experiences.
It's only been a week with them and I can't wait to see how the rest of the semester unfolds and what experiences I get to share with them.
