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