There is a spark of something beautiful when one feels they have assisted another. This spark is built on pride, assurance, or the simple feeling of a good deed, and that spark is what The University of Texas at El Paso peer leaders share with others.
(UTEP)’s Entering Student Experience (ESE) Peer Leaders is an organization focused on guiding students who are just starting at UTEP through the assistance of peer leaders. But it paints a bigger picture, with students themselves being peer leaders. It brings a source of self-reflection, fulfillment, engagement and community.
Jolette Robles, a sophomore majoring in psychology and Daen Bermudez, a junior majoring in computer science, are both in their second semesters serving as peer leaders and support students.
“Our mission as peer leaders is to foster a good environment for our students, we want them to feel [a] sense of belonging in college [and] help them grow in their professional and personal life,” Robles said.
These leaders achieve this by being present in a University (UNIV) 1301 classroom setting alongside new incoming UTEP students. Here, they accommodate their abilities to match the teaching style of the professor to engage their audiences with presentations on class curriculum, time management, mental health and university navigation. All of which focus on UNIV 1301’s four pillars: identity, belonging, aspiration and agency.
However, their work is not just through presentations and resources. Peer leaders have the opportunity to work closely with the students they are assisting, either one-on-one or in groups. They provide assistance with the workload and give advice on a deeper level than an appointment with an adviser.
“One time I was talking to a student [who was] studying business to create his own clothing company. I told him about courses [he] could take, theater courses that you can learn about costuming, organizations that are focused on fashion. You can really notice when they’re grateful for the information you give. That is important,” Daen said.
If they don’t know the resource, the community at the Peer Leader’s office is full, creating an ever-looping cycle of information between the members.
“If we don’t know, we can ask the other peer leaders, even without asking, we get to learn from the others. And that give you a lot more knowledge than you would have by yourself,” Daen said.
Jolette describes that her reason for joining was inspired by her own experience in the UNIV 1301 course working alongside a peer leader.
“When I had a peer leader, I really liked that she was there to help me. Because sometimes you run to your TA or to your peer leader instead of your professor, you know, because you might be a little bit scared. I really liked the fact that everything they [peer leaders] did— mentoring, guiding students and even planning events came together as one,” Jolette said.
Daen says he joined so he wouldn’t see others make the same mistakes he did as an incoming freshman from Mexico.
“It’s always rewarding to help other people any way you can. If I can help students avoid the mistakes I made on my first couple semesters, that’s even better. The first time I crossed to El Paso was when I came to orientation so the first couple semesters were difficult for me because I didn’t know English and I struggled with each of the four pillars, identity, belonging, aspiration and agency. So, I think it was a calling to help others,” Daen said.
It can be nerve-wracking joining a new community, but with Peer Leaders, connections can be formed not only amongst the peer leaders but with the advisers, and students.
“That’s something I didn’t expect, to actually make connections with your students and with the peer leaders as well. Coming in as a peer leader, you don’t know anyone. But give it two days, maybe less [and] you’re going to find your way in that community,” Jolette said.
Working with Peer Leaders helps students recognize these areas and gain “soft skills” such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills. These attributes not only forge a more confident student but also grow with them into their careers and personal lives.
Students considering becoming a peer leader may have similar stories to both Jolette and Daen, looking from the outside in can make one hesitant, but Jolette urges those interested to make the move.
“If you want to be a peer leader, go for it. Don’t doubt yourself,” Robles said. “Everyone has different ideas, opinions [and] different skills. We learn from each other, and that’s how we grow as a community, that’s how we grow as one.”
UTEP Peer Leaders not only brings out the best in their leaders and students but showcases the sense of home and belonging the campus brings to all.
Vianah Vasquez is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected].
