Written by Isa Riaño, Advertisement Manager
National Mentoring Month is in January, and some Saint Leo University students shared how their mentors have inspired them. Continue reading to learn how having a mentor enhances the college experience in a variety of ways.
Most students regard their fellow lions a few grades above them as mentors because they assisted them in adjusting to college life.
“Emely Reyes took me under her wing,” said Emily Luecke, a junior majoring in communications. “As a senior, she guided me through college events and introduced me to new people.”
Other students shared that mentors do not always have to be their age, and that supportive faculty can also become people who inspire them to achieve their goals.
For example, Natalia Dixon, a sophomore majoring in clinical psychology, sees Dr. Michael Bailey, the Director of Accessibility and Career Services as her mentor.
“He has helped me organize my schedule and find resources to help me explore my full potential as a new student,” said Dixon.
Being a mentor is just as rewarding as being a mentee, and Saint Leo students strive to help other lions in the best way they can. An example of this is LEAD Scholars, a campus organization that strives to build successful campus leaders.
“My LEAD Scholars mentee is Analisa Green, and mentoring her has helped me brainstorm some advice I can give to her so she excels in college,” said Earnest Alexander, a senior majoring in hospitality management.
In addition to personal satisfaction, mentorship is very beneficial for mental health.
“A mentorship is an additional level of support that focuses on growth in an educational or career development, which is invaluable in terms of mental health,” said Anthony Avila, the Sunrise of Pasco County community prevention coordinator.
Furthermore, some Saint Leo University staff agree that mentors are very important for students with disabilities.
“It is imperative that the mentor is educated on the disability and utilizes the compassion that they have gained from their work in responding to their mentee,” said Mia Perez, the Assistant Director of Career Services and Accessibility.
National Mentoring Month serves as a reminder to be grateful for our mentors and to those of us who have mentees, to do our best to make a difference in their lives. Let us begin 2023 by recognizing the importance of mentorship.
