Life of A Peer Mentor
- D J
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Valerie Jackson
Staff
College life can often be stressful, and complicated for many students. When people step onto the Snow College campus they are greeted with orange and blue banners, friendly faces, and people who are ready to make new friends. Many of those smiling faces are a group of students happy to help, they are called Peer Mentors.
Peer mentors are often the first point of contact for new Badgers. They work closely with faculty, advisors, and student life staff. They don’t just help freshmen, but all students with adjusting to college life. They answer questions, help students find directions, and simply are a listening ear. “A lot of it is just being there for students,” says peer mentor Jayson Raisor.
Sometimes they don’t need help with academics, they just need someone to talk to who’s been in their shoes. Mentors check in regularly with their students, organize events, lead study sessions, and even host group activities that build friendships within the Badger community. It’s a mix of leadership, service, and support, all rolled into one.
A peer mentors day starts off normal with classes. With 16 members of the peer mentor team, you can usually find at least one of them in the student connection center at all times of the day.
Every peer mentor’s office hours look a little different. Some meet one on one with students in person or online, while others stroll around campus during “walkabouts,” handing out candy and chatting with students. A lot of time is also spent planning future events and activities that keep mentors busy behind the scenes.
“Its a balance,” says Andrea Garcia, Peer Mentor. “I still have to prioritize my school work and make sure I am careful in the way that I manage my time.” Peer mentors are students as well, so managing classes and lives while trying to make sure others have a great experience at Snow college. Madison Searle says, “It's busy, but rewarding.”
“At the end of the day, being a peer mentor is about connecting students as quickly as possible to the resources that will help them succeed,” said Brittney Cornelson, Director of the Student Connection Center. Whether it’s answering a quick question, cheering someone on, or planning the next big event, what makes Snow special is the people who care enough to make a difference.