With the Fall semester at Niagara College well underway, students from the Educational Assistance and Adult Supports program are earning an additional lesson in mentorship – as both the mentor and mentee – through a new mentorship initiative.
Organized by School of Community Services Professor Mary-Christine Vanscoy, the mentorship program pairs students in their third term of study with first term students to create and foster relationships while learning to navigate college.
“Over the years, I’ve noticed that students in their first terms of study have struggled adjusting to college life,” said Vanscoy. “Whether students are experiencing homesickness, cultural differences or academic anxiety, the transition to college can be difficult, which is why I’m pleased to facilitate this new mentorship initiative which will allow students to connect with peers who can guide and support them as they adjust to life at NC.”
Running for the first time this Fall, the Educational Assistance and Adult Supports Mentorship program has successfully matched 11 mentors and mentees, which include both domestic and international students.
Ena-Kay Bennet, a first term student originally from Jamaica decided to join the mentorship program to meet new people and to gain a better understanding of college expectations.
“The mentorship program is a helpful way of assisting international students to meet new people,” shared Bennet. “My mentor is an absolute gem! We are like minded and I can relate to her which makes it easier to integrate to NC life. She has also made herself available to me whenever I have a question which has helped me feel more at home in Niagara.”
Abiola Osunlaja – who goes by Vee – a third term student from Nigeria was paired with Bennet. When asked why she decided to join the program as a mentor, she said “I remember how lost I was in my first term at NC and how I had to navigate and find my way around in a new environment while experiencing a new culture. If I can help ease someone else’s transition, why wouldn’t I?”
This new mentorship program has been approved as part of Niagara College’s Co-Curricular Record Program which allows students to record participation in approved co-curricular activities. All 11 mentors participating in the program this year will be able to share this work with potential employers, scholarship committees and more.
Going forward, Vanscoy hopes to foster the spirit of learning and support by encouraging current mentees to become mentors.
“By working together to create a positive experience for first term students, we are helping to build a stronger community at NC and – it is my hope – that these students will become mentors themselves and that they will help guide the next generation of students.”
Feedback from students
“I joined the mentorship program because it helps new students who are experiencing a new culture, new educational system, different ideologies, and people. I joined to help build their confidence, to help them work through the system despite the pressure of deadlines, lifestyles, and the challenge of not being in your home country.” – Abolarin Femi James, third term student.
“The mentorship program is helping me to cope with stress and if I have questions about the program, I can ask my mentor who will give me honest and realistic feedback.” – Katerina Boulus, first term student.
“I joined the mentorship program because of my experience as a first term student. I felt a sense of isolation and doubt about my potential for success. I made several mistakes which might have been avoided with the guidance of a third term mentor. I aim to support my fellow students in reaching their goals throughout my time at Niagara College.” – Brittany Bullard Higgs, third term student.
