{"id":9399,"date":"2020-04-01T17:26:56","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T21:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu\/messenger\/?p=9399"},"modified":"2020-04-01T17:26:56","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T21:26:56","slug":"cultivating-connection-what-it-means-to-be-a-peer-mentor-at-macaulay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openlab.macaulay.cuny.edu\/messenger\/2020\/04\/01\/cultivating-connection-what-it-means-to-be-a-peer-mentor-at-macaulay\/","title":{"rendered":"Cultivating Connection: What It Means To Be a Peer Mentor at Macaulay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Victoria McGrath<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I think back to my freshman orientation at Lehman College, I hazily recall working collaboratively with my peers on a hot summer day; however, I remember more strongly the emotions that I had that day. I felt optimistic about making friends and embarking on a new, exciting chapter of my life, and I was excited to be among like-minded, talented, and driven peers; but I was also incredibly nervous. I was concerned about making a good impression on my peers, advisors, and professors. Moreover, I worried about succeeding in college: was I prepared for my coursework? Did I know anything about time management and organization? As the day at Lehman wrapped up, I felt certain of one thing: feeling nervous was okay, because the next four years would be transformative.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span> The Macaulay welcome events, as well as the events held at City College (my home campus), definitely helped me to feel calmer about beginning this new chapter of my education; however, these events could not prepare me for the challenges of my freshman year. I felt lonely and isolated during my first semester, and I attribute those feelings to the CUNY’s commuter school nature. I commuted during my first year of college, and living in Staten Island left me little time or desire to stay late after class to socialize.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span> Another challenge of my freshman year was my decision to transfer to Queens College. When I applied to university, I was torn by my love for music and my intellectual curiosities. After agonizing about which path to follow, it became clear to me that I couldn’t ignore my musical passion. By the time I made this decision, I was a few months into the fall semester of my freshman year, and had already fallen in love with Macaulay. I decided that the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College was my best bet, because I would be able to remain a Macaulay student and study music. Although this decision was clear to me, it was not easy. I felt anxiety any time I thought about transferring and wished there was a peer I could speak to for guidance through this process.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span> Eventually, everything fell into place. I started going to the honors lounge and built up the nerve to speak to my Macaulay peers. I successfully transferred, continued to build my relationships with my colleagues, and participated in the Macaulay community as much as I could. The feelings of loneliness and anxiety subsided, and I became much calmer and more confident about my college experience. These challenges shaped my identity as a student, helped me to realize my aspirations, and gave me a greater appreciation for the flexibility that Macaulay offers its students. Although I successfully navigated the challenges of my freshman year, it would have been so helpful to have a peer mentor to give me advice and guidance. This is the exact reason why I became a peer mentor.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span> The peer mentors, in my opinion, are one of the most special resources Macaulay offers its incoming freshman. The peer mentors have a wide variety of interests, a breadth of knowledge and experience, and a sincere commitment to the Macaulay community. Although the peer mentors don’t see their mentees constantly throughout the year, the mentors are involved in a myriad of Macaulay clubs and activities, which they invite their mentees to join. The spirit of inclusivity is unique to the peer mentors, whose true desire is to lend a helping hand and give guidance when needed. Even if a student has a particular question or query that their mentor can’t answer, another mentor will happily jump in and be of assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span> The work of the peer mentors is sincere and heartfelt, and we are always in need of more members to help accomplish our mission. All it takes to become a successful peer mentor is a willingness and desire to help your colleagues. If you are interested in making connections, building friendships, giving back to your community, and helping to guide incoming freshmen, please join us!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

If you’d like to help welcome the class of 2024 and become an Orientation Leader, click here!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"