Going into college, most students want to live a life of freedom from their families and attempt to make it on their own.

Yet what happens when a student struggles and needs that extra push?

A mentor can guide the student through the long and hard road of college life by simply being a trustworthy person to whom the student can vent or share problems and find solutions or just hangout with.

Having a mentor helps a student learn from someone who has been in the same shoes before and knows what it’s like.

Choosing a mentor can be a difficult task.  The best thing to do is ask a counselor at the college and ask for mentoring programs that are looking for mentees. My advice is find someone who you could potentially become great friends with and move past that stage in which it is stranger and stranger meeting and talking. Find things that you both like to do and, if possible, share life stories.

Who knows?  That person might have a similar story to yours.

Meeting goals can be especially difficult when you are caught in your own world of studying and socializing. A mentor can help you plan and come out with success.  Most mentors are wise because they have been there and done that so it’s a smart decision to listen intently to what they are saying and ask questions. Be curious!

If an older mentor kind of thing doesn’t interest you then take a look at peer mentoring groups on campus. This can be one on one or together in groups. A peer mentor can be more comfortable because chances are you might know the person you are meeting really well. This type of mentoring allows for a more personal experience to guide each other through the maze of college, through sharing pains or joys or helping your peer get ready for a big test.

Whatever mentoring route you choose, know that neither of them are going to mess you up.  It’ll make you a better person and boost your confidence knowing that someone is standing in the crowd cheering you on as you run your race.