peer-to-peer networking
As an undergraduate at Saint Mary's University, Priscilla Desman (BS '01, MBA '21) was part of a program that resonated with her so strongly that she wanted to share that experience with current students.
Desman, then a first-year student in the College of Science and Engineering, was paired with a second-year student mentor who left a strong impression on the importance of receiving help from classmates.
Now, as assistant dean of students at the Greehey Business School, Desman is leading a new mentorship program that pairs lower-level students with upper-level students to help them connect and, hopefully, help new students improve their course performance.
“It not only gives the students a sense of accomplishment, but it also helps them grow as people,” Desman said. “Helping to guide someone in their life and academic decisions is a growing experience.”
The Greehey Business School Mentorship Program is aimed at all business students who wish to mentor other students or who are seeking additional academic support. This is a voluntary program, and first-year students are notified of the opportunity at the beginning of the fall semester.
There is a simple survey to get to know your students by asking them about their interests and goals. With this information, a mentor is assigned based on the student's responses to help with social and academic matching.
Many students have benefited from this program, whether it helped them find resources or socially adapt to a new environment.
Dede Fioklou Touran, a first-year business major from Togo, West Africa, said her mentor, Belin Thompson, shares information about campus resources and takes time to study with her throughout the semester. Ta.
It also helped Thompson interact with more people on campus, even though she didn't know anyone when she arrived at St. Mary's University.
Although they only meet in person a few times a month, Fioclou-Toulan said the interactions have been “very helpful,” and she and Thompson are in constant contact through text messages.
“We talk about everything, like what I experienced that week and if I have any questions or concerns,” Fioclou-Toulan said.
“Being a mentor is similar to being a big sister. I have two brothers and it's that same feeling of pride that guides them and helps them when they need you.”
Belin Thompson
Thompson, a sophomore marketing major from San Antonio, decided to become a mentor because she loves helping new students and remembers what it's like to be in a new environment. .
She also equates the feeling of watching her mentee grow up to being an older sibling.
“Being a mentor is like being a big sister,” Thompson added. “I have two brothers and it's that same feeling of pride that guides them and helps them when you need them.”
