-Vincent Van Gogh
After reading the first two chapters of Students Helping Students, my initial reaction was that I had no idea there would be so much vocabulary involved in mentoring! It brought me to a good realization though: there are a lot of specifics when it comes to being a leader. Being a peer educator has a much wider definition than what I had previously assumed and I now recognize many people in my own life who have served such a role without me even being aware of it.
The process of maturation was something that seemed really weird to read about. I think that as students we have a tendency to go through our day to day lives assuming we've all faced many of the same trials and tribulations, the same triumphs and tragedies. And to a certain extent, that assumption holds true. What we often fail to recognize however is that we all react to those situations in different ways and that they have infinitely many different effects on our views about ourselves and our lives.
I never really gave much thought to how different processes of maturation would make a huge difference in how peer educator should approach any given situation. Sure, we all face some pretty standard challenges when we begin our adventures at Iowa State, but how students react to those challenges is different in each individual case. I'm really interested to learn in upcoming weeks how to assess those situations and understand students on a personal level. I now recognize that's the only way to truly be able to successfully guide them on a positive path.
Hopefully this cute kitten video will drive my point home. Just like Pepper, we all face obstacles in unique ways. Some of us will take charge and tackle our challenges immediately and effectively, but others require some reflective analysis and the guidance of peers to take that first step. As peer mentors in training, we are responsible for showing students the way and providing constructive routes for them to follow, even if that means just climbing up a few stairs!
I like your insight into everyone being a different style of peer mentor. If we remember this, then we should be able to be more cohesive as a group.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sebastian! I think that we'll make a pretty awesome group, especially once we get to know each other better!
DeleteCoreen,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the inspirational video there with the cute kitten. This goes on to show that "we're all in this together, and it shows, when we stand, hand in hand,make our dreams come true."
P.S. I know this is corny but your blog and video reminded me of this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYATjOZCXng
-Kat
That video definitely fits in with the idea I was trying to get across, Kat!
DeleteP.S. I'm going to have that song in my head all day now! :)
Coreen-
ReplyDeleteI liked your quote at the beginning of your blog. I'm a sucker for good quotes. :)
The kitten video was a nice addition; I didn't even think about adding quotes or videos to help drive home a point!
I think you had several good points here, especially about the "process of maturation". I agree with what you said that we assume that everyone has been through the same things as we have, but how people interpret different things is based on what they may or may not have experienced.
Cheers!
- Katie
LOVED the cat video it was adorable and fit very well with what you were talking about. We're like the cats some are going to be strong in the beginning with others a few steps behind, but in the end all of us will be on the same page and be able to work effectively together!
ReplyDelete