How We Do It: Why Mentoring College Students Matters

February 2024// by Reena Mishra

When I was first introduced to POE, what stood out to me was the value they place on mentoring. Many organizations offer financial support to incoming college students – which is wonderful – but what happens after the student collects that check? Do they know how to create and manage a budget to ensure financial coverage for the next 4-5 years or navigate the complexities of higher education? Do they even make it through the system and complete their degree? At POE, we not only fund the student until they graduate, but also help them navigate the challenges of college through the support of a dedicated mentor.

The role of a POE mentor will vary, based on the individual needs of the student. In general, here are five different ways we offer support:

1.     Guidance in Academic Pursuits

College can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for many students. Mentors offer insights and guidance in navigating through the academic journey; whether it's choosing the right courses, understanding complex concepts, or seeking advice on career paths. As an example, one of our students is interested in pursuing a career in architecture. She decided it made the most financial sense to start her studies at her local community college and transfer into a 4-year university. During some of their early conversations, her mentor coached her when selecting classes to ensure they would easily transfer over. This would help prevent this student from not only having to re-take courses, but to avoid having to pay for them again, too!

2.     Personal and Professional Development

Beyond academics, mentoring plays a pivotal role in fostering personal and professional development. Mentors can help students identify their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Through constructive feedback and encouragement, students can develop crucial skills such as time management, communication, and problem-solving – skills that are essential for success in both their personal and professional lives.

3.     Networking Opportunities

One of the often-overlooked benefits of mentorship is the access it provides to valuable networks. Mentors can introduce students to professionals in their field of interest, opening doors to internships, job opportunities, and industry insights. In one instance, a civil engineering student was interested in learning more about what a career as a civil engineer really looked like. His mentor happened to know a civil engineer and was able to arrange for the student to spend a day in the office shadowing him. The student gained valuable insight into that career, learning that most infrastructure design models were already in place only the parameters of the project needed to be inputted, and all the calculations were done automatically. Being a lover of math, he decided to step back from Civil and take his Electives as he rethought his career path.  Networking is a powerful tool, and POE mentors work together to identify and share opportunities that could benefit all of their students.

4.     Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

College can be a time of self-discovery and identity formation. Having a mentor who believes in a student's potential can significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem. A supportive mentor encourages students to set ambitious goals, take risks, and overcome challenges – all of which contribute to personal growth and resilience. My student has ambitious goals. She’s studying microbiology with a desire to eventually become an epidemiologist and work for the CDC. Fortunately but not always the case, she also has a strong support system at home and between her family and

school resources, has been able to strategically select classes and manage her tuition and living expenses. My role as her mentor was mostly to support her through both her scholastic endeavors and the trials and tribulations of college life – listening to her, encouraging her to try new things and,

ultimately, cheering her on and reminding her she can do hard things! I’m thrilled to share that not only did she graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2022, she is months away from graduating with her

master’s degree! She is currently applying to PhD programs as she remains focused on her goal of someday working for the CDC.

5.     Navigating Life's Challenges

College students face a myriad of challenges, both academically and personally. From managing stress to dealing with setbacks, a mentor provides a stable support system during turbulent times. Knowing that someone cares about their well-being and is there to offer guidance can make a significant difference in a student's ability to overcome obstacles.

Mentoring college students is a fulfilling endeavor that goes beyond the confines of the academic environment. It is about investing in the future, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and creating a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the college years. As we reflect on the importance of mentorship, let us recognize the transformative power it holds and consider how each of us can contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

If you’re interested in learning more about mentoring opportunities with POE – South Bay, please contact us! We’d love to hear from you.

Anyce and Reena at their first meeting in 2018