January 27, 2013

January 27, 2013

Making Differences and Connections

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."
- Marian Wright Edelman

Being a Hixson Peer Mentor is about making a difference.  I thought that this quote by Marian Wright Edelman exemplified that.  We need to strive to make little differences one day at a time, whether by giving one a simple smile or a word of encouragement, which will eventually make all the difference in the world.

On Wednesday this past week, I happened upon a professor I had during fall 2011.  He remembered me and asked how I was doing.  We talked for a good five minutes and it was extremely reassuring that while I remember not doing the best in his class, that I still made some type of impression on him so that he would remember me over a year later.  Lesson of the week: Sit in the front row and talk to your professors.  It makes our big university feel that much smaller; that you're just not a number of 31,000+ students - you're an actual person.  It makes going to class more enjoyable, to me at least, because I know that the professor knows who I am and wants me to succeed.  It gives me more motivation to work on assignments that may be more tedious than others because I don't want to let the professor down by not doing well in their class.

Another good reason to talk to your professors, especially professors in your major content area, is that they will be potentially good references on your resume.  Set up those connections early: visit their office hours, ask for help on an assignment, discuss current events or historical events to see what their opinion is - maybe you'll find a perspective that you haven't seen before. 

Also, in light of the recent ice storm, there's good news: there are approximately 52 days until spring!
Keep warm!
Katie

January 20, 2013

January 20, 2013

Upon meeting this year's Hixson Peer Mentors, I am looking more forward to this semester and the upcoming fall semester.  There are a lot of things that are going on and it's reassuring to know there are several others in the exact same position as I am: ready to lead the 2013 Hixson Scholars in their transition into life at Iowa State.  I am most looking forward to getting to know the other peer mentors on a more personal level.  The current peer mentors, to me, seem like a good bunch of individuals and I believe that we will have a lot of fun these next two semesters.

In class this past week, we did a lot of icebreakers to get to know others.  I liked them for the simple reason that they help get to break that "awkward" phase of being unsure of what to do around the new people.  I am shy normally and these icebreakers are a good way for me to get out of that "shell" and become more extroverted to interact with the peer mentors.  The icebreakers will be a good tool to use in my future as a history teacher and during the upcoming fall semester with the 2013 Hixson Scholars.  As a future teacher, I believe it will be important to create a good learning atmosphere where the students feel engaged and connected to learn about American or world history, or American government.  As for the Hixson Scholars, getting to know new individuals as you first arrive on campus is incredibly important - for those connections last throughout the four (or more) years that one will spend at Iowa State.

In conclusion, I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow peer mentors.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Hixson Program: to make a future Hixson Scholar feel welcome and connected to the Iowa State community. 

As always, Go Cyclones!
Katie