This initiative pairs upperclassmen with freshmen, providing them with guidance and support as they adjust to the academic and social environment.
Essential support during the early stages
As they begin their college journey, students often face an overwhelming amount of information and significant changes. Having a mentor to guide them through this process is invaluable.
As Agustina Laguardia, a mentor and student in the School of Engineering, puts it: "When I first started, I felt overwhelmed; there was just so much information to take in. Having someone to guide me in the beginning was essential."
Mentors not only help new students get acquainted with the university, but also support them emotionally and socially. "It's like an extra line of support for students, but on a more personal level. Since the mentor is another student—albeit one who is further along—it creates a space where students can express their fears and doubts, knowing that what they're going through is normal," explains Sofía Machado, another mentor in the program.
Reasons to become a mentor
The decision to become a mentor stems from a desire to help others and share personal experiences. Sofía explains: "I got involved in the program because of a friend. I really enjoy helping people. When I first joined, I didn't have anyone to guide me, and I wanted to make a difference in that regard."
For her part, Agustina explains that she participated in volunteer activities in high school, and when she started college, she was looking for a place where she could continue to contribute: "When I started college, there were very few women in my group, and there wasn't much time to socialize in class. I saw the Program as a great opportunity to fit in and help others."
Benefits for new students and mentors
The program benefits not only new students but also the mentors, who develop leadership, communication, and empathy skills.
In addition, it fosters a sense of community and belonging within the university. "I learned a lot about interacting with others. Seeing new students overcome challenges gives me a great sense of satisfaction," Sofía notes.
The program also helps new students learn about the resources available at the university, from libraries and study rooms to sports activities and benefits such as printing credits. "Thanks to the mentors, I learned about many things I wouldn't have known otherwise," she adds.
New spaces
The Mentoring Program goes beyond simply connecting mentors with new students; it also fosters opportunities for integration, such as Espacio LINKS, a monthly gathering where students from different majors can share their experiences and concerns in a trusting environment.
This program is led by the student advisor and the course coordinator, and its goal is to help young people adjust more easily to college life by connecting them with other students who share their concerns.
"If this had been around when I started, I would have loved it," says Sofía. "It's a great opportunity to address your fears and concerns with other students who are going through the same thing."
Essentials for a Mentor's Backpack
When asked what must be included in a mentor’s backpack, the responses reflected both practical and symbolic considerations.
Agustina emphasized the importance of the cell phone: "It's the solution to everything. It has contact information for student counseling, links to key documents, and access to the mentor group. Sometimes people ask us questions we don't know the answer to right away, but we can check with the team and find the answer quickly."
On the other hand, Sofía Machado offered a more abstract interpretation: “For me, the most important thing is attitude: the desire to help and to be there for others. Everyone who signed up for this program is the kind of person who enjoys working with others.”
They also noted that empathy and patience are key, since every student is different and faces their own challenges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B97IlWPVEbM&t=3s