Library Tour and Getting Connected with Mentees

The reading we had this week talked about students being connected to the university and retention. As you remember retention was higher for those students that participated in WOK their first year and the Mentorship and Learning (ML) program. I thought about this and decided that building a relationship and showing the mentees I am sincerely interested in them and their academic endeavors in their dance class was an important building block to start with. I really want this to work and if participation in this Service Learning helps keeps students at Western through graduation, that is the best! I also liked how the article talked about sustainable learning and deeper sustainable learning; by engaging in our Research Mentor class we are giving other students the opportunity to become better researchers, more equipped for research, organized, supported and networked through collaboration and connection.

I had a great time with my mentees and one of Kristina's. Before the tour, I had gone to the library and picked up bookmarks that had a list of the library floors and what was on each floor. I handed them out for two reasons. One reason was so they would get an idea of what was in the library; the second reason was as a reference tool for later. We spent the time sharing a bit, talking about their class and really just connecting. We went to the basement to see if we could catch Mabel Wilson, but apparently she was out and about. We went to the Harry Potter room, children's literature, service learning areas, as well as the main portions that would pertain to students, seeking resources via computer searches, library catalogue and sections of the library that may be most useful to them in this process, like the circulation desk for Iliad and inter library loan, writing center, reference collection, student technology, media collection, etc. We ended our tour at Zoe's. I initiated my offer for help and assistance to them and also talked about how sometimes it's hard to ask for help even in an instance like this. It can be uncomfortable or you don't want to bother someone even if it is a class. We talked about meeting once per week or how would they like to proceed. They were unsure as they need to get into their coursework more. I made a decision I would contact each of them weekly just to check in and see how it's going. They seemed to like this idea and I let them know to tell me if the contact was too much. There of course is also the invitation for them to contact me anytime as well. I will probably text them each weekly.

At this time we are not scheduling any group meetings. As they progress more in their class, we will determine whether one on one's are more appropriate and helpful or if they would like to stay in a group.

I'm enthused and intrigued to see what the outcomes will be for us and our mentees. I'm hopeful there will be some kind of assessment or feedback loop so we will have an inkling of what the impact is with a program such as this.

I love being in class with such caring, compassionate people who have done much service already collectively. Thanks! Christina