THE EXPERIENCE
The Honors Ambassadors Leadership Team (LT) is a small group of passionate ambassadors who strive to go beyond our regular duties with UHP and take the next step by preparing newcomers and promoting events to enhance the ambassadors’ experience. Approaching the end of my freshman year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the LT’s Mentorship committee, which focused on welcoming freshmen ambassadors, smoothing their transition to college and UHP, and training them through a structured program. As a mentor, I became the main point of contact between my mentee and the Ambassador group, establishing a meaningful feedback system to keep improving their tutoring experience and preparing them to be the face of the Honors Program in a matter of weeks.
WHAT I LEARNED + HOW IT IMPACTED ME
I joined the UHP Ambassadors Program as a part of the pioneer group of freshmen ambassadors, and though I had a great support system provided by my coordinators and upperclassmen mentors, it was still a major challenge to learn about a complex and well-rounded program and soon prepare to present its features to large audiences of parents and students – all while getting used to the college classes and lifestyle. I delved into the concepts of a Global Citizen Scholar, the honors experiences, the applications, and the beautiful purpose of UHP. With the lessons, came the passion for such an incredible program and the eagerness to be more and more involved in the endless opportunities for its students, especially as an ambassador. I was inspired by my mentors and wanted not only to help guide the next group of freshmen but also to represent a reference in UHP for them.
I then became part of the Leadership Team and finally experienced the other side of the story: now, responsible for an underclassman, and able to pass on my very fresh knowledge about where she was coming from. I initially had many ideas in mind to enhance first-year ambassadors’ journeys, but I understood that my perspective was only one piece of a giant puzzle of countless backgrounds, ambitions, values, all crucial to a more inclusive and mature approach toward UC students. My mentee, although just as passionate, had different plans in UHP, and as I strived to make our sessions more specific to her universe, I came to learn just as much about the opportunities out there, as well as the importance of feedback and truly listening to your peers when improving something you’re all part of.
It was humbling, dynamic, and quickly became more of a friendship than any hierarchal relationship that mentoring can imply. It opened doors for enhancements within the Ambassador program and its impact in UC, but most importantly, boosted our experiences as a group, helping us feel like we belonged. Towards the end of our mentorship schedule, she ended up welcoming me into the UHP Ambassadors just as I welcomed her. That was the final lesson that proved to me that she was ready to start her journey, and I was ready to let her shine.
My mentee? Kyla Ward is a Lindner Business Honors student majoring in Operations Management. Check out her learning portfolio here!
Regarding my future plans as an ambassador, I’m joining the new Leadership Team this upcoming year as the Outreach Director to continue to complete the puzzle with more stories and invite people to tell theirs in UHP. I can’t wait for what’s next.
The Honors Ambassadors Leadership Team (LT) is a small group of passionate ambassadors who strive to go beyond our regular duties with UHP and take the next step by preparing newcomers and promoting events to enhance the ambassadors’ experience. Approaching the end of my freshman year, I had the incredible opportunity to join the LT’s Mentorship committee, which focused on welcoming freshmen ambassadors, smoothing their transition to college and UHP, and training them through a structured program. As a mentor, I became the main point of contact between my mentee and the Ambassador group, establishing a meaningful feedback system to keep improving their tutoring experience and preparing them to be the face of the Honors Program in a matter of weeks.
WHAT I LEARNED + HOW IT IMPACTED ME
I joined the UHP Ambassadors Program as a part of the pioneer group of freshmen ambassadors, and though I had a great support system provided by my coordinators and upperclassmen mentors, it was still a major challenge to learn about a complex and well-rounded program and soon prepare to present its features to large audiences of parents and students – all while getting used to the college classes and lifestyle. I delved into the concepts of a Global Citizen Scholar, the honors experiences, the applications, and the beautiful purpose of UHP. With the lessons, came the passion for such an incredible program and the eagerness to be more and more involved in the endless opportunities for its students, especially as an ambassador. I was inspired by my mentors and wanted not only to help guide the next group of freshmen but also to represent a reference in UHP for them.
I then became part of the Leadership Team and finally experienced the other side of the story: now, responsible for an underclassman, and able to pass on my very fresh knowledge about where she was coming from. I initially had many ideas in mind to enhance first-year ambassadors’ journeys, but I understood that my perspective was only one piece of a giant puzzle of countless backgrounds, ambitions, values, all crucial to a more inclusive and mature approach toward UC students. My mentee, although just as passionate, had different plans in UHP, and as I strived to make our sessions more specific to her universe, I came to learn just as much about the opportunities out there, as well as the importance of feedback and truly listening to your peers when improving something you’re all part of.
It was humbling, dynamic, and quickly became more of a friendship than any hierarchal relationship that mentoring can imply. It opened doors for enhancements within the Ambassador program and its impact in UC, but most importantly, boosted our experiences as a group, helping us feel like we belonged. Towards the end of our mentorship schedule, she ended up welcoming me into the UHP Ambassadors just as I welcomed her. That was the final lesson that proved to me that she was ready to start her journey, and I was ready to let her shine.
My mentee? Kyla Ward is a Lindner Business Honors student majoring in Operations Management. Check out her learning portfolio here!
Regarding my future plans as an ambassador, I’m joining the new Leadership Team this upcoming year as the Outreach Director to continue to complete the puzzle with more stories and invite people to tell theirs in UHP. I can’t wait for what’s next.