Dear Journal,

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." -- Molière

It's been a tough few weeks...from assignments and exams to coaching sessions and check-in's. There were moments when I didn't think I would finish certain tasks by their due dates. A wave of panic fell over me and never subsided.

Usually I bottle up my feelings, not wanting to share the worries I have or the obstacles I'm facing. However, despite my attempts to keep from talking about it, I couldn't help but break down when those who realized I looked a bit upset asked if I was alright. Two peers, Stephanie and Megil, made sure when I walked away from them to either attend to work or class I was feeling better than when I first approached them. Most recently, they allowed me to express my frustrations, but not without adding words of encouragement and praise. Additionally, they lifted my spirits by negating any feelings of irrationality I had toward my own expression of how much stress I was under. Their empathy was the piece I needed to keep pushing myself - simply knowing that others had similar workloads and I wasn't all alone helped me level my frustration and carry on. While not all of the work I have on my plate is done, I'm proud of the work I have finished thus far.  

Memorable Moments

(1) On March 22nd, I reconnected with three of my mentees from last semester. I received an email a few weeks prior, stating that a group of them were interested in participating in the "Escape the Library" Challenge. I was thrilled! Despite arriving about a half hour late due to a check-in meeting with one of the FYS professors I work with, I made it just in time to see them figure out the next clue and take off in a hurry, calling out, "Hi!," as they passed me by.

Turning my head to the sound of rushed footsteps, I saw them enter the computer room again to decipher the solution to the final clue, thus revealing the answer to the mystery. I was met with smiles - a clear sign that they were really enjoying the game and the time spent together. The smiles only grew larger when the librarian and I shouted, "Yes! You did it! You won!," at the sound of their final answer. They were one of the quickest groups to compete, but that didn't mean we immediately went our separate ways after the clocked stopped. We stuck around to talk about a variety of topics that ranged from how the semester was going to the time I followed one of the veteran dogs around campus for a while (totally not as creepy as it sounds...). It was nice to catch up with them and to hear about all of the awesome things they're getting involved in. This group was close with me last semester, but I definitely feel a stronger bond with them now, which is all I could ask for as a peer success coach. 

 (2) I love when students come to me asking for guidance. It makes me feel trusted. I enlightened one student, in particular, to meet with me without even knowing it. During my check-in with him, he reported doing well in all of his classes, but something immediately caught my attention. He expressed that he wanted to meet with me as soon as I introduced myself to the class at the beginning of the semester! When I asked why so, he said it was because my general career path aligned with his, and because he saw me as a "superhuman." Elaborating on that title, I came to understand that any advice I shared on how I balance so many responsibilities would be valued.

I determined by the way he spoke that he is a driven young man; someone who is not afraid of hard work. While most of my coaching with this student took place over text message, I still came to know him quite well, establishing a stronger bond in doing so. We both expressed our initial interest in forensic science, which stemmed from our idolization of its portrayal on popular television shows. Though my interests switched when I took my first psychology course in high school, his changed based on his experience in calculus. I told him how much respect I have for the fact he even took calculus because despite my love for math, I take one look at calculus problems and internally cry. Did he finish that class on a phenomenal level? No. Did he try to do his very best? Yes, and I admire that. After articulating my standpoint, he reciprocated the respect. This conversation had to be the most rewarding...and most surprising, seeing as I didn't necessarily expect a response other than that of a brief answer to how classes were going.

(3) March 21st: Returning to the office from one of my late classes to pick up my coat, I was approached by my supervisor, Nancy. I was pleased by what she had to tell me. She expressed great joy over one of SASP's applicants - that applicant being one of my current students! When asked if he were that terrific in-person as on paper, I gushed over his willingness to learn and motivation to succeed. One week ago he emailed me with great excitement...he had been invited to take part in the interview process. One step closer to possibly being hired as a peer success coach! Congratulations and best of luck!

(4) Lastly, this reflection isn't based on just one occurrence; rather, it encompasses multiple. Initially, this began as a challenge I foresaw, but instead I experienced the opposite.

Coaching sessions. Something I both dreaded and looked forward to. I was excited to set up my sign-up and begin promoting it to my students, but I was nervous I wouldn't even reach half of this semester's goal, which was to meet with at least 95% of our students. Last semester I struggled with getting students to take advantage of the meetings, so I was worried this semester would be a repeat, especially since most of my students are currently second semester freshmen. Much to my surprise, many of my students were willing and interested in attending coaching sessions. I confirmed this for myself by asking them to fill out an "interest sheet" on the very first day of class, which meant I could properly evaluate the general enthusiasm expressed toward session attendance.

I've had about 40% of my students meet with me thus far, but I'm not finished yet! I still have upcoming meetings, which will help to boost that number up. One day I remember as being one of my most memorable was when I had four consecutive coaching sessions to attend to. I felt like Kelsey! I've always looked up to her, so to feel like I was performing at a level close to hers made me happy.

Memorable Moments (Non-Coaching)

(1) On Thursday, March 30th, I attended a Women's History Month Speed Networking event, sponsored by the Career Center. The flyer caught my eye for a few reasons. In the upper left hand corner, it was stated that "30 inspiring" women would be in attendance. I immediately thought back to my experience attending the Women In Leadership Conference at Hunter College back in October.

With that thought already in mind, I was determined to reserve my spot at the networking event on campus. A name on the flyer also caught my attention. Safe Horizon. Yes, the non-profit organization that I had been trying to contact for about six months was confirmed for attendance.

A little background..."Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. [Their] mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities." (As seen on their website). Safe Horizon supports victims and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, rape/sexual assault, human-trafficking, stalking, youth homelessness, and more.

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.safehorizon.org/

Watch (Warning! Graphic content [audio]):

When I attended the event, I was able to meet with the Safe Horizon representative. We spoke about the different areas of volunteer work that can be done throughout the organiation, as well as my background and interest in joining their team. I disclosed a situation very personal to me (referenced earlier on in this journal series), which made her aware of the passion I have for justice against domestic and sexual violence. Before leaving for class I gave her my resume, and we exchanged business cards. She assured me she would recommend me at HR (human resources). Super excited! Networking done right!

(2) I was excited to announce just a few days ago that I was asked to be a Research Assistant for another psychology lab on campus! One of my current professors reached out to me earlier this past week, stating that he had a position open and thought I would be a good fit. I happily accepted, and as of Friday, March 31st, I was named one of the experimenters on the research team - I can't wait to begin facilitating lab studies!

Challenges I Foresaw

(1) I foresaw difficulties with early intervention. Again predicting this semester's experience based upon last semester's, I thought getting in touch with some of my students would require much more effort than just a text message or phone call. However, I received responses from almost all of my students within a week of me initially contacting them. After this outreach, I felt closer to my students. I'm looking forward to these last couple of weeks before the Spring 2017 semester ends.

Helping Skills I Applied (Within My Coaching Sessions & Early Intervention Outreach)

• Reflection of feeling (a lot!!)
• Open-ended questions & the use of encouraging prompts, such as “tell me more about…”
• Nonverbal encouragers, such as nodding and smiling

Personal Growth (Motivational Quote)

Talk to you again soon...

Sincerely,

Samantha