The Ripple Effect of Mentorship: From Mentee to Mentor by Kevin

The Ripple Effect of Mentorship: From Mentee to Mentor by Kevin - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Who do you turn to when you’re unsure of your next step? Who helps you find your way when the path ahead seems unclear? Who believes in you when you’re struggling to believe in yourself? For me, that person was my peer mentor at Seminole State College. At a time when I was transitioning from high school to college, juggling work, family responsibilities, and academics, their guidance made all the difference. Their support not only helped me overcome challenges but also inspired me to step into a similar role, giving back to others facing obstacles like mine.

When I started at Seminole State, I was uncertain about navigating college life. As a first-generation college student, I felt the weight of figuring everything out on my own, financial aid, class schedules, balancing work, and finding the motivation to persist. My mentor provided clarity in what seemed like chaos. They taught me how to manage my time effectively, introduced me to campus resources I didn’t even know existed, and, most importantly, encouraged me to believe in my own potential. What made their guidance even more impactful was their understanding of my unique struggles. Coming from a low income background, I didn’t always have access to resources like a personal computer or a car, which made simple tasks like completing assignments or commuting to campus far more complicated. My mentor never judged my circumstances; instead, they shared their own story, showing me that resourcefulness could overcome even the toughest barriers.

This mentorship planted the seed for a mindset shift. I stopped viewing my challenges as obstacles and started seeing them as opportunities to grow. When my mentor suggested that I could one day become a peer mentor myself, I was initially hesitant. I doubted whether I had the experience or the knowledge to guide others. But their confidence in me pushed me to take on the challenge. Becoming a peer mentor was amazing. I worked with students who, like me, were navigating unfamiliar territory. Many of them were first-generation college students, balancing school with jobs or family obligations. I drew on my own experiences to help them develop study habits, manage their time, and access resources like the tutoring center. I even shared strategies I had learned for saving money and building financial literacy, tools that had been crucial in my own journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a mentor was watching my mentees grow in confidence. I remember one student in particular who was struggling with time management while juggling a part-time job and full course load. Together, we created a weekly schedule that prioritized her assignments while leaving room for work and rest. Over time, her grades improved, and she expressed how much more in control she felt. Moments like these reminded me of how my own mentor had encouraged me, and it felt incredible to pass that along. Being a peer mentor also helped me grow as a leader. I learned how to listen actively, communicate clearly, and offer support tailored to each individual’s needs. It was no longer just about my journey but about helping others succeed. I carried these lessons with me beyond Seminole State, applying them in other areas of my life, including my involvement with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where I worked with middle and high school students to spark their interest in STEM.

Looking back, my mentor’s impact on my educational journey cannot be overstated. They didn’t just guide me through a difficult time, they helped me discover my ability to lead and support others. Their belief in me inspired a ripple effect, creating opportunities not just for me but for the students I’ve mentored since. Their influence taught me the importance of paying it forward, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day. To anyone considering becoming a mentor or seeking one, I would say this: mentorship is about more than advice, it’s about connection, encouragement, and belief. Whether you’re guiding someone or being guided, the relationships you build can change lives, just as my mentor changed mine. Today, I strive to be that source of support for others, knowing firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone in your corner, believing in you even when you’re struggling to believe in yourself.