PEER MENTEE HANDBOOK
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
The Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science connects incoming first
semester students with upper-class Peer Mentors. New students benefit from having an
experienced student they can turn to that is familiar with the college and can help them
adjust to the demands of college life.
Peer Mentors are student representatives of the Good Samaritan College of Nursing
and Health Science (GSC) that have volunteered to mentor you throughout an
academic semester in exchange for Community Service Hours and an opportunity to
develop their leadership skills.
What is a Mentor?
The story of Mentor comes from Homer's Odyssey. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, fights in
the Trojan War and entrusts the care of his household to Mentor, who serves as teacher
and overseer of Odysseus' son, Telemachus.
After the war, Odysseus is condemned to wander vainly for ten years in his attempt to
return home. In time, Telemachus, now grown, ventures in search of his father. Athena,
Goddess of War and patroness of the arts and industry, assumes the form of Mentor
and accompanies Telemachus on his quest. Father and son reunite and cast down
would-be usurpers of Odysseus' throne and Telemachus's birthright.
The word Mentor evolved to mean trusted advisor, friend, teacher and wise person ...
Mentoring is a fundamental form of human development where one person invests time,
energy and personal know-how in assisting the growth and ability of another person.
History and legend record the deeds of princes and kings, but each of us has a
birthright to actualize our potential. Through their deeds and work, mentors help us
to move toward that actualization.
Source: Shea, Gordon F. (1997) Mentoring (Rev. Ed.). Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications
The Mentor/Mentee Experience
One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to
help them navigate a course to their destination. – John C. Maxwell
Whether you have never been to college before or are transferring to GSC a new experience can
sometimes be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve provided Peer Mentors to assist you on this
journey. They are here to help you!
Not everyone can be a Peer Mentor, but those who are selected are dedicated to helping you and
answering your questions. Their job is to help new students become acclimated to the college, figure
out where your classrooms are located, answer your questions, and help you feel confident as you
continue your education in this very dynamic and exciting college.
Every new student is assigned to a Peer Mentor. Your Peer Mentor will contact you by e-mail prior to
your arrival for Orientation and the Mentor/Mentee Luncheon where you will meet you Mentor in
person. Once you finish up your morning in Orientation you will be greeted by your Peer Mentor
during your lunch and sit with his/her group of Mentees. This will give you a chance to meet other
students as well while you eat.
After lunch your Mentor will take you on a tour of the college. Since GSC is located within the walls
of Good Samaritan Hospital you get an opportunity that many don’t while pursuing your career in
healthcare. You will visit the Medical Library, see where the Cafeteria is located, tour the College
from a Mentors point-of-view, and then be introduced to your Advisor. Although that’s the end of your
day for Orientation it is not the end of your relationship with your Mentor.
Your Responsibilities as a Mentee
You can enhance your experience at GSC by utilizing and communicating with your
Mentor.
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Ask questions. Your Mentor is knowledgeable.
Always respond to your Mentors e-mails, texts, and other communications. If you
don’t respond your Mentor has no way of knowing if you got the message and
that causes a breakdown in communication.
Make a list of questions or concerns before you communicate with your Mentor
so your discussion can be valuable and productive.
Be Aware of Stress
Stress, fatigue, life events and mental health issues happen. If you are
struggling, seek advice from your Mentor who will direct you to the appropriate
college resources if you are not yet familiar with all of them.
Our online mental health resources can be found at the main website under
Student Services and Counseling. Please acquaint yourself with these resources
and contact your College Counselor as needed if overwhelmed. The Counselor
can be reached at 513-862-2737 and coordinates the Mentor Program. U-Lifeline
is an especially excellent resource for all students in the college and should be
explored. http://www.ulifeline.org/gscollege
Never be afraid to ask for help. Everyone at GSC wants to see you grow in your
education and experience the best we have to offer. Maybe sometime you’ll
consider being a Mentor to a new student but for now just soak in your new
surroundings and focus on your learning needs.