A LETTER TO FUTURE PEER MENTORS

Dear Peer Mentor,

Rebekah Morrow Peer Mentor Honors 101 (Fall ’04)

You are about to embark on a remarkable experience.  You have been given the responsibility of introducing first semester freshmen to the University of Hawai’i at Ma¯noa, and also to the Honors Program.  You have been chosen for qualities that are noteworthy and unique, take pride in this position and enjoy it!  Be confident yet not proud, be open-minded yet true to yourself, be generous yet take what you need.

Confidence in your role as a peer mentor will take you far in the approaching semester.  You will be working with a wide range of students who have newfound independence, even though many of them have yet to realise this.  Many, if not most, will be confused and in need of guidance and assurance.  Do not be frustrated by those that refuse help or insist on doing their own thing.  Each person grows at his or her own pace. 

Always remember to seek assistance.  The team assembled for Honors 101 is truly a team.  This program is unique because so many people have a part to play in it: professors, advisors, peer mentors and students.  Assist others with their position and ask for help with yours.  Each person has his or her own role and task - find your niche and excel at it.  Do not be afraid to try new things.  Bring the world to your students by developing your own assignments and exercises.  Make it personal by contributing as much of yourself as you are comfortable with.  Tell stories and offer examples of yourself as a freshman.  Explain why you are in college and what you hope to achieve.  Discuss how you have grown and what you have learned about yourself.  Of course, the most important advice I can offer is this: HAVE FUN AND SMILE!!!

Aloha,
Rebekah Morrow