“When I was first getting into science and research, I had no idea what I was doing, and I felt very lost. I didn't have any older friends to guide me, so I already felt behind by the end of my freshman year. When IBA started the peer mentoring program, I jumped at the chance to be a mentor and provide students with the resources I lacked during my first year. Through peer mentoring, I got to help a few brilliant students find their footing, and even though we were different majors, I got to learn more about myself in the process. Having to explain resources and learn about resources for different departments really gave me a new outlook. Being a mentee is obviously beneficial, but I feel being a mentor is equally amazing! I learned so much about myself, STEM at Iowa, and different backgrounds, which, in turn, made me a better mentor, better scientist, and better person. I highly recommend joining this program, even if you've never had a mentorship experience.”
Chelsea Higgins, Undergraduate Student, BS Biology, BA Music, Peer Mentor
