Another week, another blog post.
Just finished my 4th test this week, and man does it feel good to be done! The last couple and future blog posts will be all about how to be an effective peer mentor. I guess you can call it a series, so this would be part 2 of the series. Lets get it!
In the role as being a Hixson Peer Mentor it is my job to be available for the students to call upon me for assistance with figuring out problems either in their personal life or their academic life. My goal is to be able to help him or her in not just solving the problem for them, but help them solve the problem. Furthermore, developing interpersonal communication skills will be necessary for becoming an effective peer mentor.
Like I stated in the last paragraph big part of helping the students is to not solve the problems of others, but to HELP them explore ways to better understand their own problems, develop and evaluate alternatives, set some personal courses of action and then carry it out. Knowing how to do this will be key and benefit you in being a better peer mentor. An example from class on Wednesday we talked about how to distinguish between helping relationships and relationships that may not benefit those seeking help. Within a helping relationship, you are primarily expressing your ability to listen effectively and with empathy. Empathy meaning to understand the other's world through his or her perspective and to know how he or she thinks and feels in regard to what is being said. Some ways to respond to these questions or statements would be done by clarifying, summarizing, and respectfully confronting discrepancies that will help the student to explore concerns in more depth and gain deeper levels of self-understanding. Basically... respecting, active listening, and providing valuable constructive feedback to the student.
For me if I ever come across questions or need advice, I usually either go to my parents, family, or close friends. Trust is a big factor for me and growing up with these people makes it possible to go to for advice or any other information.
My goal as being a Hixson Peer Mentor would becoming a figure that the students can look up to and can trust for effective advice.
Another heartbreaking game for Iowa State...Yet another desperation three to tie in regulation then falling in 2OT to Texas 89-86. Melvin had a hell of a game though with 20 points and 16 boards. For Texas, their best player was back, Kabongo who providing them with a spark unfortunately. It is so frustrating to watch them on the road. We get so close and then at the end we manage to get out played. Hilton Magic is back tomorrow vs TCU. I will be at the game, but working...we have junior days for football and about 15 kids are coming up, so I will have some things to do tomorrow with that. That's all.
Ya'll have a great week ahead!
Cole Schlitzer
It's interesting that you said you would go to family or friends for advice or help. Trust is a big aspect of the peer mentor relationship. At first, the students may be reluctant to seek our help since they do not know us, but with time, they will begin to trust us.
ReplyDeleteI think it's cool you have a goal of being someone the students can come to for advice. I hope I can do that too. Also, nice recap of the Cyclones games. Got that big W yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI like how you said answering their problems shouldn't be our main focus. We need to help them as much as we can yes, but they also need to learn about themselves as well. If we straight up fix everything for them then they won't know what their strengths and weaknesses are. Also, if we have enough people sign a petition could we get the NCAA tournament played in Ames? We'd be champions for sure.
ReplyDeleteHaha word tyler!
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