The Benefits of Being A Peer Advisor | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

why being A Peer Advisor Excites Me

A new school year is approaching soon which means it will be my third year being a peer adviser!

138
why being A Peer Advisor Excites Me
Rawpixel

Syracuse University provides peer advisors for each freshmen student, in every major, to help adjust to the school as well as receive help and advice from upperclassmen. Coming in as a freshman to Syracuse, I was excited to have a mentor to look up to as I did not know anyone coming in. However, with my big expectation, there was a bigger disappointment.

Freshmen year was the hardest year for me as I dealt with friendship drama and a bit of identity crisis. I often wondered if I chose the wrong school to attend because, during this time, I felt lonely and lost. Although my situation was not about academics, I contacted my peer advisor, hoping for guidance and a little bit of encouragement.

I messaged my assigned peer advisor and planned a coffee meet-up with her, to discuss school, my major, and about what I was dealing with. Although I was not expecting a direct answer or help from her since it was a personal problem, I did want a genuine care.

Maybe it was too much I was expecting because we did just meet and technically, we were still strangers, but there was a different expectation that came with the title of 'peer advisor'.

With such little help I received, I did not want this experience to be repeated the next year. That's when I decided to be a peer advisor the next year, and now coming to my final year of being a peer advisor.

Each new school year, I think about my freshmen year - the excitement, the expectations, as well as the nervousness, and worry of the unknown, as I prepare for my own peer advisees. At first, they are all just names that I see, but soon they become faces and stories that are brought to our college campus.

College is so confusing at first with so many unanswered questions thrown at your face, but as a peer advisor, I always hope to at least be a friend in my advisee's beginning stages. There usually isn't continuous communication after about two months, but to be a help during those few weeks of school is enough for me.

College experiences will be very different for each person, but to use my personal experience as a guideline might be helpful to someone, somehow, and I may also be able to learn from my advisees as well.

It's exciting and I am excited for my last year as a peer advisor.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

12719
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5608
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4151
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3634
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments