A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE MENTORING EXPERIENCE
Overview
Last year, I worked as a college mentor for UniRely—an organization that matches international high school seniors with American college students to aid them in the college application process. As a college mentor, I edited students’ application essays and answered their questions about college. I mentored two students from India, and both of them were applying to the University of Washington. I was contacted to be a mentor very late in the process, and thus had roughly a week and a half to mentor both students. As a college mentor, I also guided the students and gave them general advice about the type of degree they wanted to pursue and possible classes they could take.
Last year, I worked as a college mentor for UniRely—an organization that matches international high school seniors with American college students to aid them in the college application process. As a college mentor, I edited students’ application essays and answered their questions about college. I mentored two students from India, and both of them were applying to the University of Washington. I was contacted to be a mentor very late in the process, and thus had roughly a week and a half to mentor both students. As a college mentor, I also guided the students and gave them general advice about the type of degree they wanted to pursue and possible classes they could take.
Personal Importance
This experience connected me to my value of perseverance. Although we were on a strict deadline, I managed to successfully guide both of my students into completing and submitting their UW applications. I found prioritizing my time somewhat challenging, as I had to focus on something that was more important to others rather than focusing on my own duties and obligations. To be honest, I found the process stressful but impactful at the same time. My students had to fully confide in me to help them with the application process; their future was on the line! Through this experience, however, I grew as a leader from my mentorship abilities.
This experience connected me to my value of perseverance. Although we were on a strict deadline, I managed to successfully guide both of my students into completing and submitting their UW applications. I found prioritizing my time somewhat challenging, as I had to focus on something that was more important to others rather than focusing on my own duties and obligations. To be honest, I found the process stressful but impactful at the same time. My students had to fully confide in me to help them with the application process; their future was on the line! Through this experience, however, I grew as a leader from my mentorship abilities.
Tasks Accomplished
- Successfully edited college application essays of two high school seniors within a one and a half week time margin
- Answered questions about the college application process
- Maintained a professional working relationship with students through the mentorship process
- Informed students about the types of degrees offered at the University of Washington
- Responded promptly to messages and emails while communicating with students
- Guided a student into gaining admission to the University of Washington
- Created an informational video about the University of Washington for prospective international high school applicants
Leadership Competencies
- Writing: Although my role as a college mentor involved editing essays, I found this process to be helpful in improving my writing skills as well. I was exposed to two very different styles of writing, so I had to learn how to adapt my editing techniques to meet each author’s unique writing abilities. I often drew upon my own experiences writing college essays and gave feedback based off prior knowledge. The students shared their essays with me through Google Drive, and I made personal comments in the margins and offered suggestions about where they could improve in their writing. Editing may seem like less work than writing, but in order to be an effective editor, one must fully understand the writer.
- Plan: I learned how to manage my time efficiently and increase productivity. Learning to work under pressure and complete tasks under strict deadlines requires skill. As previously mentioned, I was offered this position as a college mentor for UniRely, around one and a half weeks before the UW application was due. In that time period, I constantly communicated with my students through Facebook messenger and email. Although we didn’t have a clear plan, I made sure to do my part by editing their essays in time and kept the students in the loop about what aspects of their writing needed to be changed.
- Follow through: This experience taught me the importance of effective communication skills. Due to the strict deadline and time pressure, my students and I were forced to constantly communicate with one another and meet all necessary deadlines. Following through means to do what you’re assigned to do. We followed through on both of our ends; I made sure that I edited their college essays in time, and the students made sure to submit their applications in time. Following through on important tasks ensures that both parties are committed to the goals they have set, increases productivity, and enhances trust and cooperation among people in group settings.
- Other perspectives: Through this experience, I learned a lot about my students while reading their essays. One of my students was deaf and received the first cochlear implant in India. Her mother advocated for her support in the deaf community, and she even gave a TedTalk about her disability! The other student wrote about how he experienced failure and learned from it, and how his background contributes to the diversity of the UW community. Hearing these students’ life stories through writing made the whole journey more real and personal. Even though I had never met these students in person, I felt like I really got to know them by reading their stories.
- Personal contributions: Through this experience, I was able to share my own experience of applying to college to prospective college applicants. It was truly a rewarding feeling to know that my guidance and support in assisting these students with their college application process helped gain admission for one student to UW! When I was applying to college, I had my own college mentor who assisted me in writing college essays. I wanted to do the same for these students, especially since applying to college as an international student brings many more challenges. If I am in a similar position such as this one in the future, I would try to provide more resources for students, so they can fully take advantage of the beginning steps of their college journey.
- Reflection and application: After I had finished mentoring my students, I reflected on this experience. My guidance and support helped a student gain admission to college! This was a very eye-opening experience for both me and my students. I not only developed my skills as a mentor but also as a writer and leader. Reflection is an important tool to necessitate learning and growth. I often reflect on this experience to help me improve my mentoring skills in other areas of my life.
- Helping others: I decided to become a mentor for UniRely because I remember how difficult the college application process was for me. UniRely supports students who are applying to college internationally – a much more challenging process. When I applied to college, I had my own college mentor who edited my essays and gave me helpful suggestions to strengthen my storytelling through writing. I wanted to pass on the knowledge my mentor gave me to these students. I care about others, and I value the importance of creating an environment in which people are supportive and helpful of each other’s needs.
Lessons Learned
This experience has shaped my skills in mentoring in my current work position. For example, I am currently mentoring students with autism as a Navigation Assistant for the Neurodiversity Navigators program at Bellevue College. My work consists of mentoring students and guiding them through difficult situations related to school, work, life, and family dynamics. A good mentor should have the qualities it takes to guide and lead someone and have a meaningful impact on one’s life. A mentee shouldn’t totally depend on the mentor for help, but should have an idea of what they want out of their relationship. Thus, both mentor and mentee should constantly be challenging each other, learning, and growing.
This experience has shaped my skills in mentoring in my current work position. For example, I am currently mentoring students with autism as a Navigation Assistant for the Neurodiversity Navigators program at Bellevue College. My work consists of mentoring students and guiding them through difficult situations related to school, work, life, and family dynamics. A good mentor should have the qualities it takes to guide and lead someone and have a meaningful impact on one’s life. A mentee shouldn’t totally depend on the mentor for help, but should have an idea of what they want out of their relationship. Thus, both mentor and mentee should constantly be challenging each other, learning, and growing.
This is the University of Washington diversity essay that one of my students wrote which gained him admission to the university. It is a beautiful piece of writing which shows how his Indian background and values contribute to the diversity of the UW. I chose this as my artifact because I share a similar experience, as an Indian student attending the UW. I also felt like my college mentoring experience paid off because it turned out to be a success.