As a newly admitted Freshman to the CSULB Honors Program, the minute I saw an email asking if I wanted to have a peer mentor, I jumped at the opportunity. To have a more experienced student guide me through the ins and outs of the Honors Program, especially with the still greatly virtual environment, was an opportunity too good to pass up.
The Honors Peer Mentoring Program is designed so that each incoming Freshman or Transfer student who chooses to participate is matched with a mentor. The incoming students receive an email detailing the bios of the available mentors, respond with their top three choices, and are then matched up with their mentors. Once matched up, there are meetings that take place once a week online, but mentors and mentees are free to meet in person if they like. Most of the time the discussion centers around a certain assigned topic, but some meetings are open and allow the mentor and mentees to bond and talk about whatever they choose. The mentors guide their mentees through various presentations, making sure they get things such as their New Student Honors checklist in on time, or let them know about the resources that are available at CSULB.
Below is an interview with my mentor, Honors Program student Mikayla Browne.
Me: Hi Mikayla, first of all, tell me a little about yourself. What is your major? Interests? Why did you apply to the Honors Program?
MB: I am a political science major with an emphasis in law, politics, and policy and am most interested in studying constitutional law. Outside of school, my interest is in the performing arts. I started dancing when I was 5 years old and I love performing. In high school, I always enjoyed the rigor that came with the honors/advanced classes that I took. I wanted to continue taking such classes in college, which is why I applied to the Honors Program at CSULB. I love being in a community of people who are very dedicated students and learners who are trying to excel in certain skill sets. This helps push me to grow and become the best student I can be.
Me: What is your favorite thing about being a mentor?
MB: My favorite thing about being a mentor is building new friendships with people. Being a mentor has allowed me to meet more people in the Honors community. I know there are a lot of struggles with coming into college and I want to help people navigate that since I know it’s such a challenge from my own personal experience.
Me: What inspired you to become a mentor in the Honors Program?
MB: My first semester was online. I really wanted a mentor because I had no idea what to expect from college. My mentor was named Nicole and she was absolutely awesome. My experience as a mentee inspired me to become a mentor. I want to give back to the Honors community and be a great mentor like my previous mentor was to me.
Me: Do you have any advice for someone interested in being a mentor in the Honors Program in the future?
MB: Try to be a welcoming presence to the mentees you are being assigned to. We all know college is a challenge. At the end of the day, we all need a person who we can go to for help. A mentor should strive to be a person who someone else can come to for peace.
Me: Thank you Mikayla for your great insights into the mentorship program!
Personally, the Mentor Program has been a huge help in learning additional information about our shared major, navigating the course selection process, and so much more. I would highly recommend that all new students, both Freshmen and Transfer, take advantage of this program. I am grateful for the guidance and time my mentor has given to me, and most of all, for her friendship.
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