The mentoring process threw me for a loop at first. My main concern was meeting a total stranger and being expected to speak openly and honestly about my goal. In addition to this, I had to learn how to listen to this other person, be objective, be helpful and know my own limits as a mentor. Before this class, I had no experience with mentoring beyond what I had heard during prime time situation comedies. As the semester progressed, it was easier to see the role mentoring played in class and my life.

On the first day of class I answered NO to the following statements.

·        I like change.

·        I react positively to constructive criticism.

·        I can put myself in another person’s place

·        I would seek help from friends or a counselor.

After a semester of mentoring, I know that I would now answer YES to each of these statements.

There were a few days when both of us were confused and frustrated, but I think that we worked well enough together to clarify our goals and to get back on track. What made this experience better was that I never felt like my partner was judging who I was as a person, and we just dealt with each situation as it occurred. I knew that Alison wasn’t going to talk about me after class, and I also maintained that element of trust.

I don’t remember exactly what was said or in what context but I do remember thinking that this was the time for me just to listen and give her the time to formulate her own solution, instead of interjecting the one that I had already thought of. It turns out that once I sat back and gave her thirty seconds to think, she thought of a great solution. That skill I appreciated in my mentor when I was a protégé. So we were really teaching each other how to be mentors as the semester went on.

I think what made these sessions interesting was that there was always a sense of humor in dealing with the various goals that we had set for ourselves. I think that it is very important to always have a sense of humor about oneself and about life in general. Having humor makes one’s life so much more enjoyable and not as stressful, that’s for sure.

Mike offered to help with my problem of focusing on my schoolwork. He helped me work a time into my schedule every day that I would go to the library and study. Mike offered to come with me and we would do homework together. I wouldn’t have to go it alone. This was a big commitment by Mike. I wasn’t sure he would keep it at first. His actions really impressed me. I definitely improved my grades for the semester.  In return, I helped Mike by going to the gym with him. His goal was to exercise.

I lived with seven girls who are very lazy, who manage their time irresponsibly, who smoke and who do not have a burning desire to change. It was very difficult to see them driving around when I was walking for the exercise and to see them smoking when I was trying to quit. It was also difficult for me to go to bed and have them be up socializing. Jim, my mentor, helped me find a new living situation that was more in keeping with my lifestyle goals.

My goal was to eat a healthier diet. My occasional set backs tended to occur when I had multiple exams or assignments. I would often find myself burning the midnight oil with a bag of M & Ms or Doritos, while my apples and granola sat lonely in the kitchen. Thanks to the attitude of my mentor, I was able to get back on track.

One of my favorite discussions was when we talked about the rewards that I would give myself when I reached my goals. I estimated that I was spending about $13 a week on cigarettes. After a while the money really added up. Spending the money actually gave me something to look forward to. Rewards are a great motivation booster.

I have met my goal to be more active. I spend more time outdoors. I walk to and from classes at a high frequency. I have in turn also improved my emotional health. Through the mentoring process I have made new friends, and I have not only the satisfaction of knowing that I am successful with my goals, but I also helped my protégé meet his.

My own personal goals were to quit smoking, exercise more and to eat a nutritious diet. Elizabeth, my mentor, helped me to achieve these goals by creating a support system for me. This class has helped me to make huge changes in my life and I am thankful that I signed up for it.  I will recommend it to anyone who wants to make a positive change in his or her life.

I thought a long time before picking a goal. I have always had a problem with time management and waiting till the last minute to do things. We came up with a plan. A daily schedule helped. In addition, I would do my work after it was assigned and I would finish before nighttime so that I would be able to reward myself by going out with friends. I never felt overwhelmed with the work I was doing and the work I had to do. It was a change from sitting in my room every night doing work till I went to bed. I’ve been happy.