As upperclassmen, mentors have the responsibility to lead by example and pave the way for the freshmen embarking on their high school journey. This past summer, they had the opportunity to do just that as mentors. With fresh faces from the junior class and experienced seniors, they were ready to take on the challenge of being role models for the incoming freshmen.
Bryce Naquin (12) has truly embraced the role of mentor during his junior and senior years. With a professional demeanor, he has taken on the responsibility of guiding and teaching incoming freshmen. It is evident that Naquin thoroughly enjoys this role; he takes pleasure in showing them around the school and sharing valuable insights about navigating high school. He initially joined as a mentor because it seemed like a fun opportunity but has continued because he genuinely enjoys imparting his knowledge and helping the younger students adjust to their new environment.
“I like to show the Bronco way to the freshmen,” said Naquin.
The day of freshman orientation was a mix of adrenaline and exhaustion. It started bright and early, with mentors waking up at 6 a.m. to ensure punctuality and readiness to lead the freshmen. Mentors were given a strict schedule to follow, leaving little room for spontaneity or flexibility. The orientation day was a whirlwind of emotions.
Layla Dunn (12) had also been a mentor in her junior year, and with her experience from last year, she is eager to impart her knowledge and advice to the junior mentors. Though there were some changes in the program, Dunn embraced them and found herself enjoying this year’s mentor group. Her only wish is for the schedule to be less stringent, allowing more time for meaningful interactions with her group.
“There wasn’t much to do, so we were following a strict schedule,” said Dunn.
While it was thrilling to engage with the freshmen and witness their excitement, there was one major difference between this year’s orientation and previous years. Last year, mentors focused on ensuring that the freshmen had a fun and enjoyable introduction to high school. However, this year’s orientation centered around setting an example for the freshmen to follow.
Nyla Grinner (12) was passionate about being a mentor for her school’s freshmen. One reason she loved this role was that it allowed upperclassmen to form deeper connections with incoming students. Grinner could share her experiences and offer guidance to the freshmen, helping them navigate their first year of high school. Additionally, she appreciated the freedom to be creative in her approach to mentoring. While she aimed to be a great role model, her focus was on supporting and empowering the freshmen.
“We couldn’t engage with the freshmen on a level that they would understand,” said Grinner.
For those considering becoming mentors in the future, it is essential to prepare yourself mentally and physically. As mentors, it’s important to maintain high energy levels to make the most out of the limited time we have with the freshmen.
Destiny Wilkerson (11), in her first year as a mentor, faced some challenges and triumphs. Ultimately, Wilkerson has taken on this important role with a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of her mentees. Becoming a mentor is not just about fulfilling a requirement; it is about making a difference in the lives of young individuals and helping them reach their full potential.
“Be ready and be a leader because being a mentor is a lot of work, but it is fun to do,” said Wilkerson.
The key is to be patient, have a sense of understanding, and be a positive influence on the students. It’s not always easy, but with dedication and determination, anyone can make a difference in the lives of their mentees.
