REFLECTION

I gained many leadership qualities and enhanced my skills by being a STEM mentor but also by stepping up and being the TA for the class and researching under the ACE grant. This entire experience has made me feel
more accomplished in leading others and interacting with them in a genuine and trusted manner. I've learned to be less anxious when presenting and be more confident in my abilities when sharing with others. Additionally, I feel my active listening skills have grown as I've become better at listening to what others need whether
that be verbally spoken or with body cues. I've learned that what is not directly said is important too and how to work from there. Another skill I've learned and gained is that silence is okay and sometimes others
are just processing the material being presented. I've learned it is important to take time to absorb what is being discussed. Since I'm on the other side of the conversation this time around as a mentor/leader instead of a student, I've really been able to see the dynamic from both sides of the conversation and learn from it. 

 

To build a mentor-mentee relationship it must be established on trust and I feel more than ever that I have gotten to know my mentees' unique personalities, interests, and future plans. I'm glad I was able to participate in multiple quarters for 2 years of the program because that allowed me to build personal relationships with my mentees. The goal of mentoring wasn't to tell my mentees all the answers, it was to help guide them to the answers and resources themselves so it wouldn't feel like I'm telling them how to do something but rather taking a collaborative approach together to help further them on their individual path. Active listening is a huge part of mentoring that I resonated with because it is so important to be heard by others and I understand what its like not to be heard. So I made it an important point to listen to what my mentees needs, wants, and desires were so I could accurately help them pursue their collegiate affairs, future career path, and employment goals.

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I am very excited to have become this involved in the DU-WHS STEM Mentoring program and I am excited to see what the future holds for this amazing initiative. I couldn't imagine not participating in this program during my undergraduate career, it has changed me fundamentally and I will always be grateful for the experience and opportunity to serve others

 

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