A mentor is someone who has been through college and can tell you how it works from the inside. When nobody at home has made that trip, finding one early saves you from learning every rule the hard way, and this article shows where to look and how to ask.
Where mentors are found
Many colleges run a first-generation student center or a peer mentor program, often staffed by older students who were also first in their families. Student Support Services, honors programs, multicultural centers and some residence halls offer mentoring as well. Ask the dean of students office or your advisor what exists on your campus.
Faculty and staff can mentor too, even without a formal program. An instructor whose class you enjoy, a librarian, the supervisor of your work-study job or a career center advisor can each become someone you turn to. Some colleges list faculty and staff who were first-generation students themselves and invite students to reach out.
How to ask
Start small and specific. Rather than asking someone to be your mentor, ask for 15 minutes to talk about choosing a major, finding research work or planning for an internship. A second conversation grows naturally from a good first one.
Send a short email that says who you are, how you know of them and what you would like to ask. Offer two or three times, and arrive with your questions written down. Afterward, write a brief thank-you and mention what you did with the advice.
A second conversation grows naturally from a good first one.
Keeping more than one person in your corner
One person rarely knows everything a new student needs. A peer mentor knows which classes fill fast, a faculty member knows the field, and a staff member knows the rules and deadlines. Keeping a few people to ask spreads the load.
Mentors also help when something goes wrong. Someone who knows you can point you to the right office after a bad grade, a family emergency or a money problem, and can suggest which questions to ask when you get there.
Steps to take
- Ask your advisor whether the college has a first-generation program
- Pick one instructor or staff member to email
- Write three questions before the meeting
- Send a thank-you note after you talk
Who decides
Your college's first-generation program, Student Support Services office or academic advisor
Ask for one short conversation rather than a lasting commitment, and let the mentoring grow from there.