Paving the Way for an Unforgettable First Year
By Katrina Honer, sophomore, University of California, Riverside
As a current peer mentor with the College of Humanities and Social Services (CHASS) at the University of California, Riverside, I help freshmen take full advantage of their first year at college and set them up for future success at the university and beyond. My CHASS F1RST program provides personalized advising through small freshman-only discussion groups and workshops with peer mentors.
To fully help these students, I attend lectures with 75 freshmen every Tuesday and Thursday. I read their texts and learn their assignments so that I lend support to the professor and the teaching assistant as an additional aide.
Student Workshops
One of the most important aspects of my job is to design and proctor workshops. Every Friday, I lead student workshops that may cover note taking, learning styles, academic advising, diversity and culture, public speaking, and résumé writing. I teach new and different ways to develop and improve skills through games, discussions, and activities.
One-on-One Guidance
As another part of my CHASS duties, I hold office hours during which students are welcome to walk in for “one-on-one” sessions. Through these meetings, I get a chance to learn more about students on a personal level.
One student told me about the first time he tried sushi in the local shopping area; another student described her experience helping another student deal with depression.
“I like the CHASS program workshops because you become familiar with the other students in your class,” says student Michelle Alcantar. “Workshops help break down student insecurities. Students open up and talk about any topic, even sensitive ones.”
Roxana Lazaro says some college courses intimidated her and she was afraid she would not do well in them. “Thanks to CHASS and the peer mentors, I feel I can tackle any course I really set my mind to.”
Being a peer mentor has taught me how to be more selfless and to not only help others, but to help others help themselves.
KATRINA HONER IS A PSYCHOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY DOUBLE MAJOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE. SHE WORKS AS A PEER MENTOR AND HELPS PROGRAM AND DESIGN SCHOOL-WIDE EVENTS.
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College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS)
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