As part of their weekly leadership development, the fall 2020 BADM 100 Peer Mentors found ways to give back to the community in a time when outreach was more needed than ever. The group of 15 Peer Mentors took on the task of researching the local community and working with their team to carry out a service project. The projects included a food drive, writing letters to a local nursing home, and a jeopardy game for freshmen. While the primary role of the Peer Mentors is to support and guide new Business School freshmen, this group of students also learns about leadership and service beyond the Freshmen Seminar.
Katherine Symanowicz’s team collected canned food for a local church. “With COVID being in full swing and other locations not being able to provide opportunities to feed others, the church was in short supply. This allowed us to appreciate the neighborhoods we have around us, and it showed how simple it was to positively impact someone’s day. Everyone in this community, from the church’s administration team to professors here on campus, was interested in our mission and eager to help out!”
Ashton Wilkins was part of a group that focused on helping freshmen de-stress during final exams, a resource that is always needed – but even more appreciated when students are not able to get together as easily as in semesters past.
“As a leader, a mentor must be purpose-driven in his/her work. Community service allows for individuals to see firsthand the purpose in which he/she is working to make a difference in lives. This increased social awareness makes room for people to learn and grow, while also cultivating skills to better lead with purpose.”
Another group wrote 60 cards for a local nursing home. “I learned that service isn’t a one way street. I know that the cards we wrote for the nursing home were really appreciated because the nurse assistant who passed them out told us so, but I also know that our hearts were enriched and blessed to be able to show love and care for complete strangers. It is so easy to intentionally care for others,” Caroline Inman shared. “When you are a mentor, you have to be an example of what you want to see in the world for others. You have to be the person to initiate the change and assist others in their service.”