As part of their first-year experience, BYU freshmen have the opportunity to participate in first-year mentoring as part of their transition to college life — and many are reaping the benefits.
The university pairs each new student with a trained upperclassman. These peer mentors help students answer questions, point out resources and discuss the student’s BYU experience.
Peer mentors encourage their students to meet with them at least once a month.
"I'm the resource that they get to keep in their back pocket. And so we kind of act as like a first line of defense where, ‘Hey, I have questions, I have concerns,'" Jonah Beals, BYU peer mentor, said.
While BYU offers dozens of resources for new students, some might not be aware of the benefits. Peer mentors can connect students with resources for financial aid, career help and more.
"There's so many different resources. Those are only just a couple of them, but there's, like, 50 plus," Brenna McBride, BYU peer mentor, said.
Mentors also often help students navigate academic, financial and personal struggles during their first year.
"We just do our best to try to keep track of all of that, mitigate any concerns and help students progress," Beals said.
This personalized concern from peer mentors has had a noticeable impact on the students.
"She was really kind, very interested in everything that was going on in my life and just very genuine. I can tell that she wasn't just talking to me because it was her job — she actually cared about how I was doing," Seth Fleshman, a BYU freshman, said.
First-year students can easily sign up on their BYU MyMAP or simply text their mentor to set up a meeting.