Peer mentors make educational impact

By Corin Salnave

The Peer Mentor Program at Mt. Hood Community College has only been around a few years, but it has been making an educational impact on students.

The program is available for anybody who wants to “focus on success,” said Sharon Fisser.

Fisser has been the persistence coordinator of the program since the beginning of the school year. She was a part-time adviser at MHCC and has a background in counseling.

“I personally happen to believe that people know what they need, they just get stuck sometimes,” said Fisser. “We want students to be able to continue moving toward whatever their goals are.

“The mentors are amazing,” she said with a smile. “They have reached out and said, ‘I want to give back’.”

Tiffiny Whitehead is a peer mentor who is a part of the Federal Work-Study Program. “But, that’s not why I did it,” she said. Whitehead is in the Mental Health and Human Services program and felt that mentoring was for her, being something that coincides with what she wants to do with her career. Whitehead is new to the program and still learning the ropes, but says she loves it.

Peer mentors are there to reach out to those who may need assistance in finding out where certain resources are available. They help students get connected to the school.
Peer mentors offer support and assistance for those having difficulties in school. They can help with time management and study skills, and can help students find fun and interesting things to do on campus.

Peer mentors are available to speak with instructors to get a better idea of how to help those they mentor. They can remind students of when homework is due and organize study groups.

Learning specialists are also available. They usually help students who have difficulties with a certain subject, or who might have a problem with test anxiety.
Peer mentors are many times matched up with these specialists to further help students.

These peer mentors are successful students who like to help others become successful as well. They are available to help in the transition to MHCC and to act as guides to college life.

Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, have respect for diversity, are committed to helping others, are supportive, a good listener, a creative thinker and demonstrate excellent student behavior and a strong work ethic, may want to become a peer mentor.

Peer mentors can get money for school through the work-study program or as student aides. Applications will be available in late April or early May to become a peer mentor.