Peer Mentor Focus Issue No. 3

Peer Mentor focus LA T ES T N E W S FR O M TH E P E E R M EN T OR C O MM UN I TY

In Defense of the Imperfect

Issue 3 Jan - Feb 2013

What imperfection, you might ask? Of course

nothing is perfect, but it may still be an attention-

grabber to bluntly say that a program consisting of

dozens of hard-working students that claims the

alliance of dozens of hard-working faculty is imper-

fect. But I'm not writing this to vent frustration, nor

to give constructive criticism. Certainly I flatter

myself to think I have the ear of people who have it

in their power to right any structural wrongs within

the peer mentor program.

The title of my article is carefully chosen. The peer

mentor program is imperfect, and I defend it for

what it is. My claim that the peer mentor program is

imperfect stems from my belief that a program is

merely a collection of people, and people are imper-

fect. Certainly a collection of people could compen-

sate for each others' flaws, but that still doesn't cre-

ate perfection. So why do I defend this imperfec-

tion? Each student who comes into the peer mentor

program enters as an incomplete, undefined young

person who has not fully found their voice and is

still unsure of how to relate to other people in a ma-

ture fashion. An amalgamation of these young peo-

ple, no matter how carefully and expertly guided

they may be, is prone to imperfections of every kind.

Yet, I ask one simple question: how else will they

learn?

Only then will the prefrontal cortex complete its

development and become the seat of conscious-

ness for a complete and mature adult who is

ready for the bumpy ride of life. This is the root

of the cliché that there is no substitute for experi-

ence.

I was asked what I look for in a student when

recruiting for the peer mentor program. The

truth is I don't really try to single out what stu-

dents would be "better" peer mentors. Every

student has something to offer, and whether they

are able to rise to the calling of a peer mentor

depends entirely on how willing they are to set

aside their emotions of the moment for a long-

term payoff. Certainly some students are more

disciplined than others, and would have an easier

time making it through leadership class, but does

that make them a better peer mentor? Students

who have struggled more may have more to

offer. Life is a journey, and having experienced

more different things prepares you to be recep-

tive to the journeys of other people.

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain right

behind the forehead that makes decisions. It can

easily be overwhelmed by emotions bubbling up

from the limbic system in the heat of the moment,

but over time it develops the capacity to step back

from these disruptive signals and make a rational

decision despite one's feelings. This process is

not automatic; it must be earned. The best way to

train the prefrontal cortex is to subject it to real

situations with real, far-reaching consequences.

Isn't that the true purpose of the peer mentor

program? To have a battalion of students

ready to be accepting of the journeys of

other people? To have students who can,

despite their flaws, set aside their own feel-

ings to listen to the feelings of others? The

world is a much better place with these im-

perfect people journeying to find them-

selves, and in the process, helping a few

other people find themselves as well. I fully

support every peer mentor's journey individ-

ually and I support the peer mentor program

as a whole, no matter how imperfect it may

be.

“Every student has something to offer, and whether they are able to rise to the calling of a peer mentor depends entirely on how willing they are to set

aside their emotions of the mo-ment for a long-term payoff.”

Alejo Enriquez

Alejo is a Castro Valley native who grad-

uated in 2010 with a Masters degree in

Biology from CSUEB. He has been

teaching GS for five years and is also a

lecturer in the Biology department. In

what little spare time he has, he teaches

martial arts and tutors organic chemistry

for free, just to stay physically and men-

tally in shape.

Diversity in the Classroom Throughout the months of January and February, General Studies clas-

ses begin to discuss diversity. Not

just diversity throughout the world but diversity amongst CSUEB stu-

dents and the Bay Area.

This is an eye opening experience in

understanding the many cultural,

religious, and socioeconomic back-grounds that our students come

from. It is an opportunity to under-

stand how

Below is also a list of events the Diversity Center

has coming up! To learn more details about the

events visit Diversity Center CSUEB on Facebook!

Valentine’s Day Event

Come to Karaoke Night!

Hosted by CSUEB's Peer Mentor Club!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Karaoke Night! 5:30-8:30pm

Where you can duel it out to win a cham-pionship belt for your

General Studies class!

GS instructors will be in attendance so

come see your in-structor sing their

hearts out! This is a free event, come join in some

friendly fun competi-tion. Everyone is

welcomed! Especially if are a

freshmen!

Stimulate Your Mind: Abortion Tuesday, Feb. 5th, 2013 @ 4pm ASI Diversity Center PASA of CSUEB Presents: Alibata Workshop Tuesday, Feb. 5th, 2013 @ 7pm Theater class 294 upstairs Beyond the Chalk: Dressing as a Culture Tuesday, Feb. 12th, 2013 @2pm ASI Diversity Center Queerfest is introducing the second annual Quoncert! Tuesday, Feb. 12th, 2013 @ 7pm MPR in New Union Queer Ally Training Wednesday, Feb. 13th, 2013 @ 4pm-6pm

ASI Diversity Center Beyond the Chalk: Philosophy of Marriage Wednesday, Feb. 13th, 2013 @ 4pm-6pm ASI Diversity Center The Tunnel of Oppression Will be open: Tuesday, 2/19 11am-6pm Wednesday 2/20 9am-5pm Thursday 2/21 9am-2pm Stimulate Your Mind: Mental Illness Tuesday, Feb.19th,2013 @ 4pm ASI Diversity Center

Come Join the Peer Mentors in celebrating Valentine's

Day with your own Mock Weddings in

room UU 102. Valentine's Grams will also be available

in the Peer Mentor Office. Grams and

Weddings $3 10am- 3pm

the many pieces of one’s life impact the way each individual interacts

with themselves and the people

around them. If you want to learn more about diversity, visit the Di-

versity here at CSUEB at the New

Union 1st floor.

My name is Mark Salvador and I am a Peer Mentor although I’m not officially attending school this quarter. Being a peer mentor has been a blast, it has defi-nitely impacted my life. The program has provid-ed me with a supportive community and count-less opportunities for me to succeed. The reason that I am not attending school this quarter is be-cause I needed to get my financial situation in order. I already as-sumed that I wasn’t going to be able to continue because it is a student position and I needed to focus more on work and my family. This has already happened before when other peer mentors were not able to continue because of other commitments and/or financial problems so there was no shame on that. I was definitely disheartened when I thought I wasn’t going to be able to continue; but sometimes we have to do what we have to do. At the time, I was thinking how

I’m going to say my goodbyes to every-one involved in the program when my GS instructor has informed me that I could still continue as a peer mentor.

I was very thankful for the chance to continue so I took it. I continued be-cause I’ve come this far with my class, instructor, peers, and the whole pro-gram to just abandon them when I know I can still con-tinue. I am going to have to

make a little sacrifice here and there but I can manage through it. The opportunity of helping/inspiring someone and having a great learning experience with the pro-gram is more important to me. It is a great feeling for us peer mentors to know that we are doing something special for our classes, peers, GS instructors, the program, and the whole school. We live for it!

Persistence My Journey Through Mentoring

Mark Salvador

“The opportunity of helping/inspiring

someone and having a great learning experience with the program is more

important to me.”

Where are you from? and what's your major?

I'm from Hollister, CA (Unrelated to the clothing store!) and my major is Business Administration with an option in Eco-

nomics. I also recently decided to minor in journalism.

Why did you decide to join the program?

I decided to join the program because my high school never offered a program like it and I was intrigued that it was largely

student run.

Knowing what you know now, what's an advice you would

give your freshman self?

If I could talk to my freshman self, I would tell him to

study harder and to get a tan.

Words of wisdom for freshmen.

My word of wisdom to freshman would be to go to as

many classes as possible and to get more sleep.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years I hope to be a part of a career that I love and

that supports a comfortable lifestyle, while also being able

to let me travel internationally.

Whom do you look up to? Why?

I look up to my grandparents because they spent their

younger years working hard, but are now able to travel to

and experience parts of the world that some only dream of.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what

would you get?

If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would

have to be double stuff peanut butter Oreos (and an equal-

ly endless supply of milk!)

Name a song that's included in the soundtrack of your life.

Someday by The Strokes. Or really anything by The Strokes. I love The Strokes! But this song, in particular, seems to be

the easiest to relate to for me.

One talent you're proud of.

I'm a Certified Scuba Diver. Even though it doesn't necessarily take a lot of skill, it still requires a lot of determination and

focus. Especially if you have a fear of open water or claustrophobia, but the memories I've made doing it is worth it.

Here's a plane ticket, where will it take you?

If I had a plane ticket to any part of the world, I'd want to go to Belize, in Central America. My parents lived there for 13

years, and I lived there for 3 years, but don't remember it at all. From what I've seen in photos and what my parents tell me,

it's an amazing place to be.

Peer Mentor Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTORS AS THEY ANSWER THIS MONTH’S PROFILE QUESTIONS...

KEvIN

Where are you from? and what's your major?

I am from San Leandro and I'm majoring in biology with a minor in jazz piano.

Why did you decide to join the program?

I wanted to join the program to help freshmen adjust to college life. I know it's a rough transition and I love the feeling of

making someone's day.

Knowing what you know now, what's an advice

you would give your freshman self?

I would advise my freshman

self to plan sufficient time to

study and practice.

Words of wisdom for fresh-

men.

Freshmen 15 is real.

Where do you see yourself 10

years from now?

10 years from now, I see my-

self working as an optometrist

in the bay area and starting a

family.

Whom do you look up to? Why?

I look up to my friend, David, because of his de-

termination and focus. He puts a lot of time into

his studies and puts God, friends, and family be-

fore himself. He is whole hearted and always optimistic.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?

If I had an endless supply of any food, I would have nachos for days.

Name a song that's included in the soundtrack of your life.

Today my life begins- Bruno Mars. My friend played this song for me in my 18th birthday slideshow. It holds a lot of

meaning and symbolizes that I'm getting older and I need to live life.

One talent you're proud of.

I'm proud of playing piano. I've been playing for 13 years now and love learning new things every day.

Here's a plane ticket, where will it take you?

I would love to visit France because I would like to try their cuisine and see the Eiffel Tower.

Peer Mentor Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTORS AS THEY ANSWER THIS MONTH’S PROFILE QUESTIONS...

MARIAH

Where are you from? and what's your major?

I’m from Fremont and my major is psychology.

Why did you decide to join the program?

I decided to join the program because I love interacting with others and helping out.

Knowing what you know now, what's an advice you would give your freshman self?

The advice I would give my freshman self is to be happier with where I am in life and worry less about the future.

Words of wisdom for freshmen.

GET YOUR WORK DONE! Don't be lazy.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Ten years from now, I see myself as a psychology professor, participating in human rights activism as on the side.

Whom do you look up to? Why?

I look up to my fiance, who is in the NGO scene and teaches technology for the use of human rights. I look up to him be-

cause he has dedicated his work to helping others with the skills he has, and I want to do the same.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?

If I could have an endless supply of

food, I would get sushi (most likely

from Nara Sushi in San Francisco).

Name a song that's included in the

soundtrack of your life.

A song in the soundtrack of my life is

"All Around Me" by Flyleaf.

One talent you're proud of.

One talent I am proud of is the fact

that I can do decent henna designs!

Here's a plane ticket, where will it

take you?

If I could go anywhere with a plane

ticket, I would chose Iraq because

there are historical places there that I

would love to visit.

Peer Mentor Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTORS AS THEY ANSWER THIS MONTH’S PROFILE QUESTIONS...

KISAE

Where are you from? and what's your major?

I'm from southern California (OC). My major is Kinesiology with an option in Therapeutic Studies.

Why did you decide to join the program?

I decided to join this program, because I want to

encourage students to strive to be all that they can

and allow themselves to be; socially and academi-

cally. I also enjoy helping others to the best of my

ability, experience, and training. The best feeling is

to watch those after us take the next big step into

life and into a higher education.

Knowing what you know now, what's an advice

you would give your freshman self?

The best advice I could give a freshman is, manage

your time! Know your limits and keep your goals in

view, always.

Words of wisdom for freshmen.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take them."

If you fear failure and making mistakes, you'll nev-

er discover what your true potential is.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

10 years from now, I hope to see myself already

having years of experience in athletic training and

after grad school, advance as a physical therapist

for athletes and elders.

Whom do you look up to? Why?

I truly look up to each of my parents. Because of their plan-

ning, consideration, and unconditional love and support, I have the opportunity to be at a university so that I can pursue my

dream career and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?

If I could have an endless supply of any food, it would probably be mashed potatoes and my dad's secret recipe of gravy.

Family recipes are the best!

Name a song that's included in the soundtrack of your life.

A song that would be in the soundtrack of my life is "No One" By Alicia Keys. These lyrics helped me cope with a major

loss in my life.

One talent you're proud of.

One talent that I'm proud of is that I'm a good writer. And I can crank out essays like no other!

Here's a plane ticket, where will it take you?

This plane ticket would definitely take me to Egypt. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been fascinated with the culture and

its people. That would be a trip of a lifetime for me.

Peer Mentor Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTORS AS THEY ANSWER THIS MONTH’S PROFILE QUESTIONS...

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Where are you from? and what's your major?

I'm from Los Angeles. My major is Psychology with a minor in history

Why did you decide to join the program?

I decided to join the PM program because I've done a similar program like this in high school so I know that it's easier to

get motivated about school or academics if its coming from a fellow student.

Knowing what you know now, what's an advice you would give your freshman self?

Get GS done with now. You don't want to be a senior and have GS holding you back.

Words of wisdom for freshmen.

Try and get involve sooner!

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years I'm probably going to be living in New York working on getting my PhD

Whom do you look up to? Why?

I look up to Medusa. I know that's a little odd! But people fear her, they don't know her story.

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?

Ramen noodles. I've learned to really like them.

Name a song that's included in the soundtrack of your life.

Viva La Vida. It really helped me through a difficult time in my life.

One talent you're proud of.

I honestly don't think I have a hidden talent. I've sang chorus since I was 5, but you will never catch me busting out a tune!

Here's a plane ticket, where will it take you?

Switzerland. I don't want to get caught in the next world war.

Peer Mentor Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTORS AS THEY ANSWER THIS MONTH’S PROFILE QUESTIONS...

MICHELLE