Mount Alumni-Student Mentor Program
Freshman year of college is an exhilarating and often frightening time. New friends, new freedoms and new responsibilities can create both excitement and apprehension. Thinking about declaring a major, joining a sports team or even choosing a seat in the cafeteria can seem overwhelming. Looking back, you may easily recall this strange mix of feelings…so consider
Becoming an Alumni Mentor!
The National Alumni Association recently introduced the Mount Alumni-Student Mentor Program. Chaired by alumni Bill and Colin Ward, classes of 1965 and 1994, respectively, this voluntary program pairs members of the freshman class with alumni mentors to achieve three goals: help students adjust to college life, create networking opportunities as they choose majors and careers, and facilitate a natural transition into the National Alumni Association after graduation.
Alumni - if you would like to become a mentor download a survey, fill it out, and return it to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@msmary.edu, 301-447-5861 (FAX), or Mount St. Mary's University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
Students - if you would like to have a mentor download a survey, fill it out, and return it to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@msmary.edu, 301-447-5861 (FAX), or Mount St. Mary's University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
Alumni Mentor Profiles
Rob Weed, Class of 1993
Paired with: Rebecca Marie Thompson, Class of 2009
Why did you join the Alumni-Student Mentor Program? The mentor program seemed like a perfect way to stay involved with student life. I thought it would be helpful in making sure a student was getting what he/she expected from the Mount. I want current students to feel they are getting the most from their Mount experience. The mentor program has given me the opportunity to ensure this is the case with my mentee. I expected the mentor program to be a means of showing current students that their presence at the Mount is not taken for granted and that we are happy they are here.
What have you learned from the experience? From your mentee? I have learned that it is possible for alumni to find a common ground with current students. I’ve learned that the students appreciate the alumni support.
What difficulties did you experience in trying to establish your mentoring relationship? Actually...just getting myself to place the first call, or finding the time to do so.
What has been a benefit from your mentoring relationship? I guess that I like having some one on campus that knows she can turn to me if she needs a hand. She can come to me with any questions. I may not have the answer, or be able to help her, but I can at least try to turn her in the direction of some help (i.e. Becky came to me for some help with an internship and I was able to help her establish a connection with the Career Center).
What advice would you give to a new mentor? Make your first communication ASAP. Don’t procrastinate for several reasons:
- The more you procrastinate, the more likely you will never call or e-mail
- Any time lapse may cause the student to feel they are not truly valued in the program
- In addition, the student may lose interest
Be persistent with your first attempt at communication. If it fails repeatedly, don’t give up on the program. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations for assistance in making contact or being paired with another student.
Evelyn K. Stephenson, Class of 2000
Paired with: Sara Garbarini, Class of 2009
Why did you join the Alumni-Student Mentor Program? I joined the Alumni-Student Mentor Program to provide support/guidance to the freshmen student(s). The goal is to ease the sense of uncertainty for freshman students entering the Mount for the first time. I want to provide support and encouragement to help the student(s) succeed in the choices they make or offer advice when there is uncertainty. Also, to build relationships and hopefully friendships that will last a lifetime. I feel a sense of efficacy and pride by being genuinely helpful to others and in this case the students. Becoming a Mentor is my way of giving back to the students and to the Mount.
What have you learned from the experience? From your mentee? The experience is self fulfilling. I pride myself in that I am able to interact with people at varying levels and this was achieved through real life work experiences. Working with Sara has only strengthened my belief and I have further enhanced my interpersonal skills. Sara is mature and she has such a positive outlook on life, school, family, and the future, which is refreshing! Interacting with adults in a professional work environment is a challenge and you become immune to the negativity that exists. I lost site of the perspective and positive energy someone Sara’s age has. It is truly rewarding!
What difficulties did you experience in trying to establish your mentoring relationship? There were no difficulties. Sara was immediately responsive and interested.
What has been a benefit from your mentoring relationship? The benefits include: (1) building a new relationship which I hope will last a life time, (2) the ability to provide support/guidance, (3) the self rewards that come with helping another person.
What advice would you give to a new mentor? Mentoring is a “joint venture” and as such both the mentor and mentee are responsible for how the relationship will develop. Communication is a vital ingredient to the success of the relationship.
If you would like to find out more about the Mount Alumni-Student Mentor Program, contact the Office of Alumni Relations.
