This fall, BYU welcomed one of its largest freshman classes ever.
To support these new students year after year, the school needs a capable team of peer mentors. More than 180 mentors have assembled to assist the freshmen.
Most mentors work with about 40 new students, acting as a resource for them through thick and thin.
"They meet with students one-on-one, talk with them about how the transition to college is going and celebrate their successes," Katie Githuka, a peer mentor, said. "(Mentors) help them get access to resources when they need those resources, and also just be a friend to them."
Mentors also assist professors in teaching students during special UNIV 101 classes.
"UNIV 101 class helps a big university feel much smaller," Bryce Bunting, director of the Office of First-Year Experience, said. "They’re known, they’re recognized, they’re remembered, and if they’re not there, they’re missed."
For mentors like Githuka, seeing the growth of each student over the course of the year is its own reward.
"We get to see people at the very beginning of their college career, and then we see them at the end of that first year, and the difference is incredible," she said.
New peer mentors are needed every year. Those interested can apply on the FYE website or visit their office.