This week in class, we continued to get to know the other peer mentors.  As this is one of my favorite things to do in class, it also reminds me that the closer we get to each other and develop as a team, the more able we are to be of aid to the freshman Hixson Scholars.  

I really like how we shared our strengths and weaknesses in our Hixson introductions this week.  Sometimes it’s not the easiest to share what you want to improve upon with others.  However it does make it easier sharing them in a group that is there to help each other.  I really look forward to developing more as a group this coming year.

Another way we will continue to develop, not necessarily as a group, but more of as individuals is to work on our SMART goal setting.  Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time bound is what SMART goal setting stands for.  We were asked to write down our SMART goals for the short, mid, and long term in the professional, personal, and academic settings.  Anyone can set a goal, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is attainable, realistic, or any of the other characteristics of a SMART goal.  

When making my nine goals, I tried to keep all 5 of these characteristics in mind.  I am not going to bore you with all nine of my goals, but I will share one of my goals.  My short-term professional goal is to attain an internship in the animal science field for this coming summer of 2013.  This goal is specific by clarifying what field I want an internship in, measurable by stating what term of year I want the internship.  It is attainable and realistic, I have already had interviews so far for this coming summer, so it is within reach!  My goal is also time bound, just simply by setting a time for my goal, by this summer. 

To end my blog this week, I would like to leave you with a quote from the text.

            “Being able to relate to someone who has been through similar experience but still understands and won’t judge me for needing input on what may seem unimportant.”

This is one of my goals for the year, to provide this exact statement to freshman Hixson scholars.  

Hixson 311A Journal #1

I have chosen to be a peer educator of the Hixson Program at Iowa State for several reasons. 

#1:  To give back to the Hixson Program.

As a first semester freshman, I remember the Hixson Program helping me in several ways that helped me in order to be successful.  As a peer mentor, this is a way for me to give back to the program.  I would like to provide a fun and exciting atmosphere for the freshman to learn about several different topics that will help them to succeed here at Iowa State. 

#2:  To improve my leadership skills.

Being a Hixson peer mentor will help me to improve my leadership skills in many ways.  Not only will I have the responsibility of teaching a section of Hixson recitation, but I will be responsible for preparing lesson plans and so forth in order to teach this class.  In order to be a great teacher to others, you also have to teach yourself things, which is something I’m looking forward to.  Being a leader and an example for the freshman will help me to improve and practice my leadership skills.

#3:  To get to know other Hixson Scholars.

One of the biggest things I am excited about is to get to know the Hixson Scholars of the freshman class.  I remember what it was like as a freshman, just last year!  As a junior, I hope that I will be able to help the freshman with whatever concerns or joys they may have.  Providing a fun atmosphere in recitation is one of my main goals.  Sometimes coming to a class that provides a little fun in your day, relieves a little stress and helps you to concentrate better on your difficult classes after.    

In chapter one of the textbook, Students Helping Students, it describes peer educators as valuable because they are completely effective.  They can relate to situations that students may be having trouble with because they are familiar to campus and their surroundings.  They are also cost effective for the university by providing somewhat as the same duty as an advisor, but on a more personal level. 

This is what I want to be, EFFECTIVE.  Not cost effective, but effective in a way that I am contributing to and helping the students in any way that they may need.  I would like to make a difference in the Hixson Scholar’s first year of college.  Even if I can answer one simple question they have a day, I am still helping them in a way that will make it easier for them to better their education.  This is my goal.