By Justyna Kulig

When I got the opportunity to become a peer mentor, I didn’t know what this really is, what to expect, and how interesting and challenging it could be. Peer mentors work within Student Development classes, assisting a professor with connecting freshmen to the campus and helping them to make a good start in their new environment.

When I had my SD class in the first semester I did not have a peer mentor, so it was not easy to imagine how this was going to look like. For me, as a shy person who does not like to speak up much (and for whom English is not my first language) it made it ever harder to make up my mind to become a peer mentor. I remember sitting in a Phi Theta Kappa orientation thinking about it, looking at the mentoring requirements, when some stranger pointed out at the paper and said: “Do it!” I didn’t have an opportunity to talk with the person at that time to ask  for some more information, but somehow it convinced me and I decided to join and challenge myself.

At the beginning, especially before the first and second Student Development class, I was very stressed. I could not even sleep at night thinking about it. However, each next class was a little bit more comfortable, but still I need much more time to feel confident in being a peer mentor.

I am very happy I got along with some of my students. In my opinion, the key to being a successful peer mentor is to become a friends with those peers and build the trust. That’s why I like to meet with them in the cafeteria and eat lunch, or meet after classes and take a bus or train together, so we have time to get to know each other and so they can feel we are on the same page.

Someone may think that peer mentoring is not too helpful for students, but I believe that we have the power to make a positive impact in their freshman experience. Sometimes, seemingly a small thing for us can make a big difference for them. Inviting and encouraging students to join the school events can make that difference, because they will be able to meet new students, make new friends, and as result feel more connected to the college.

Encouraging tutoring is a great idea too. As a person who had very intensive biology class last semester, I know how difficult it was to keep up, and by working within the Student Development class linked with biology I am glad I was able to encourage a few students to take advantage of biology tutoring, because it is very helpful and makes the subject easier to pass with a good grade. That is very important in pursuing further the medical career.

Often we do not think about those seemingly small things that we do, and often we don’t even know how big an impact they may have on others. I remember how lost I felt when I was about to start college, because a few days before the beginning I changed my major and I was looking for someone who could register me for my new classes. I met someone who really discouraged me from changing my classes without even looking to see if there was any possible way to register me for classes that I really needed. It was sad, because I did not want to spend time in classes that perhaps were not going towards my degree. Fortunately, I did not give up and right after I found another person that was completely opposite, the person with a big smile that really cared about  my situation and took the time to help me.

This is another example of how something small can make a big difference. It impacted me so much and I am very thankful I met that person. When I came first day to school, I was sure and calm that I was on the right path and classes were chosen properly to my new major. I learned a lot from that experience, and as a peer mentor I always keep that in mind to try my best, take time to listen with empathy other’s people problems and issues. Everything that they want to talk about, I make sure that if I don’t know how to help, I can guide to someone who will do it for sure. I try to be the good resource that others seek.

Justyna Kulig is a first semester Peer Mentor in the Opening Doors Learning Communities at Kingsborough Community College.