A FRIEND IN A MENTOR
Sarah Hurley
The PRIDE Mentoring Program is an amazing resource for all students attending Widener. The program gives students the chance to get involved and even helps create long-lasting friendships and connections.
Mrs. Michelle Meekins-Davis, Founding Director of the Multicultural Student Affairs Office, and Ms. Kortne Smith, Multicultural Student Affairs Program Coordinator, took the time to give insight into the PRIDE Mentoring Program and explain its origins and importance.
What is the PRIDE Mentoring Program?
“The PRIDE Mentoring Program (PMP) is operated by the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Office. The purpose of the program is to provide first-year and transfer students (protégés) with on-going support and guidance to help navigate Widener University. As well as to aid in the leadership development of all participants – new students (protégés) and upperclassmen students (mentors).”
Why was the program started?
“PRIDE Mentoring Program (PMP) started in January 2009. It was created to provide a holistic approach to supporting first-year and transfer students in transitioning to college life at Widener University. In addition to the benefit of having a one-to-one connection with an experienced upperclassman student, the program provides group mentoring in its monthly meetings and workshops, social activities and celebrations of academic progression and success. The program designs activities to encourage both mentors and protégés to get involved and to develop or enhance their leadership skills. The academic progress of mentors and protégés is monitored by the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Office. Finally, the PRIDE Mentoring Program (PMP) was created to assist in the retention and graduation of the students that participate in the program.” – Response from Mrs. Michelle Meekins-Davis, Founding Director
How does it help transfer / first year students?
“The PRIDE Mentoring Program offers first-year and transfer students support and guidance as they navigate WU during their entire first year. Each protégé is assigned a PRIDE Mentor. PRIDE Mentors are upperclassmen and MSA student leaders who volunteer to serve as a resource. The program is a great opportunity to connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the program helps to prepare and propel students to additional leadership opportunities on campus.”
Why is it important to take advantage of this program?
“In times when we're operating primarily virtually, the PRIDE Mentoring Program is an opportunity to get involved, make friends, and expand your support system.
There are a few key aspects that make the PRIDE Mentoring Program unique.
1) We use a holistic approach, focusing on personal, professional and academic development of our students.
2) Participating in PMP provides an opportunity to make connections and create impactful relationships with a diverse community of people.
3) Being a part of the PRIDE Mentoring Program is being a part of a family. Students make lasting connections that continue beyond their time in the program.”
How can someone become a mentor?
“The PRIDE Mentoring Program can be a fun experience for mentors. They play a critical role in sharing their own personal and professional experiences with protégés. We look for students who have a passion for servant leadership and desire to make genuine connections with others. PRIDE Mentor Applications are available now! Use this link to access the full application: https://form.jotform.com/210904984539970"
What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a mentor?
“Apply! If you have questions, feel free to contact the program coordinator – Ms. Kortne at kasmith1@widener.edu"
Ashley Freeman, a junior here at Widener, is currently a mentor in the PRIDE Mentoring Program. Ashley took the time to talk about her experience in the program and even gave advice to new mentors.
Why did you want to join the PRIDE Mentoring Program?
“I wanted to join the Pride Mentor Program because I enjoy seeing other people succeed, especially when I know I played a part in their success. I knew that I had countless experiences and learned lessons that needed to be shared. I was hoping to support a student through their first year in college, which we all know can be a stressful and lonely experience at times. I joined the program in hopes of helping a peer grow as a student and a person, but also to learn from them as well.”
What do you take away from the program?
“The PMP helped me create a very special friendship with a first-year student (shoutout to Kennedy!). I feel lucky to have experienced our mentoring relationship develop into a friendship. As a mentor, I have learned more about myself and my capacity to help others. My protégé and I have bonded throughout the year over anything and everything and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met her! I am looking forward to seeing all that she will become and accomplish.”
Will you be in the program again next year?
“I will definitely be in the program next year!”
What’s your favorite part about being in the PRIDE Mentoring Program?
“My favorite part about being in the program is the connections I've formed. I have been introduced to so many students and faculty that, otherwise, I never would have met. The PMP environment is welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable, where I feel like I can truly be myself.”
What is expected of a mentor / what is your role?
“Mentors are expected to meet with their protégés once a week and submit a form based on the interaction. There is a required amount of virtual/in-person meetings and the rest of the encounters will consist of weekly checkups where you do not meet face to face with your protégé. Meetings can be via Zoom, in-person, on the phone, by email, or through text message. Mentors are expected to act as a guide for their protégé in their first year at Widener by connecting them to the resources they need. Mentors should share personal experiences, give advice, or just show overall support for their protégé in times of need. I think it is important to act not only as a mentor to your protégé but also as a friend!”
Is there any advice you can give to anyone thinking about becoming a mentor?
“I would tell anyone that is interested in becoming a mentor to go for it! Take the chance. The countless benefits that you will get from mentoring another student are so valuable! Joining the Pride Mentoring Program can expand your social network and connect you with students and faculty that you may not meet otherwise. You may also be pleasantly surprised by the lasting friendships you will create.”
Kennedy Shaw is a first-year student who joined the PRIDE Mentoring Program in the fall. Kennedy took the time to explain why she decided to join the program and gave insight into how this resource has impacted her.
How did you hear about the PRIDE Mentoring Program?
“I was going through my emails and I saw one about the program. I read it and was like ‘oh this might be a fun thing to do before class starts.’ I wanted to get to know some people and make a connection, since we were in the middle of the pandemic. I wasn’t able to go on campus, so this was a way to make a connection with other people in the program.”
Why did you decide to join the program?
“I decided to join because I wanted to meet people. I didn’t really know anything about Widener and didn’t know anyone, so I just wanted to have that type of connection and have a little bit of foundation before I started class.”
Do you find the PRIDE Mentoring Program to be beneficial?
“I do! I think all freshmen and transfer students should be in the program. When I joined, I didn’t expect to receive the love and kindness that I got. I was actually really nervous to go into it because I didn’t know anyone. I soon realized that everyone is so genuinely nice and kind and they really want the best for you. I feel like that was a big part of why I stayed in the program - it just felt like home. Through this, I feel like Widener is my home!”
What do you like about the program?
“The biggest part that I like about the program is the mentorship you get. When I read about the mentor part, I thought we were only going to talk about classes, but we don’t. This program helped pave the way for our friendship. My mentor and I actually realized that we are completely the same person. It’s kind of crazy how similar we are. Just being able to have somebody to talk about school and my personal life is a good thing to have as a freshman coming into the school.”
Would you consider becoming a mentor next year to help another student?
“I would consider becoming a mentor, but I will probably wait until my junior or senior year. The reason I wouldn’t do it my sophomore year is because I haven’t been on campus. I feel like I don’t have the full experience of what Widener is like. Though, I would consider it because I feel like I could help someone else and give them the connection that I have with my mentor. This is an amazing program to be in. I probably won’t be a mentor my sophomore year, but I will definitely do it before I leave the school!”