Nika is a senior here at Georgia State University and she enjoys traveling reading and exploring.
Nika’s experience as a leader at Georgia State University helped her thrive as an FYE Peer Mentor. She was one of the leaders within the program and she shares her experience below.
What is your personal definition of a mentor? A Support System! I believe that the greatest and best gift that a mentor can provide is support because a lot of people lack support and confidence. Furthermore, a mentor is somebody who is there to guide one onto the right path and in the right direction.
Did your responsibilities as a peer mentor interfere with your studies? At first, they did, but once you learn to balance out the responsibilities of being a peer mentor and a student, they will not interfere. It actually makes you work harder because you are a role model for these students and you don’t want to get behind.
How did you balance school work, campus involvement and the peer mentor position? To be honest, I have no idea, how I did it all. When I was a peer mentor, I was also taking 22 hours’ worth of classes, president of my honors organization and working another part time job. I have learned that it is all about time management and making small sacrifices.
Would you recommend this position to a student seeking a leadership position? Most definitely! It is a great way to become a leader or mature as a leader in the Georgia State community. It allows you to gain leadership experience from a different perspective.
What did you gain from being a Peer Mentor? As strange as it sounds, I gained a youth perspective. Being caught up in the struggles of life and growing up, my mentees made me realize how short life is and that sometimes it is okay for things to go wrong or to be a little bit carefree because eventually everything will work out perfectly fine. Also, I gained a lot of leadership experience and it sealed the deal that I want to work in higher education and student affairs and hopefully that is what I will attend graduate school for in the fall.
What piece of advice would you offer a student seeking to be a peer mentor? If you are in it for the money, then don’t bother yourself. Being a peer mentor is more than just receiving the stipend. It is all about wanting to help others and giving back to the Georgia State community that has given so much to you.
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