In particular, the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience exemplifies the Library's commitment to helping its students. Designed for first-generation freshmen, this program offers eligible students the opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a wage and receive guidance from a Library employee as they adjust to college life.
As a Library student employee, participants earn $8.75 an hour performing tasks such as, but not limited to, office work, sorting or shelving library materials, checking books in and out and assisting with patrons. Aside from these jobs, students are taught workplace professionalism, exceptional customer service and organizational loyalty.
Elaine Weese, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in Sports Management, is a participant in the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience. She works as the metadata assistant in Library Communication Services. Elaine views her mentor, Holly Luetkenhaus, as someone she can confide in.
"I like how I can sit down with Holly and just talk to her about college or my life in general," Elaine said. "She is someone who helped me transition to college."
Not only does the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience benefit the student, but the mentor also learns things along the way.
Throughout the past year, Holly, assistant professor in Undergraduate Services, has had an amazing experience coming to understand the needs of first-generation college students.
"It has helped me become more sensitive to the needs and questions of our students, especially those new to the university," Holly said.
As a mentor, Holly has seen Elaine grow as a determined, optimistic and persistent young woman.
"Over the course of the last year, those attributes that she brought in with her have only strengthened," Holly said. "She has set goals for herself and mapped out her path to achieving them. It has been a joy to watch her settle into her classes, sorority, work and friendships with such grace and strength."
The transition to college can be daunting for any student. It is important that incoming freshmen have someone to look to for guidance during this period of change. For first-generation college students, the Library mentor program is a premier opportunity to embrace change and seize every opportunity available. Between the paying job, applicable professional experience and mentor relationship, this program can help skyrocket students' college careers to success.
"It helps build stronger ties to the students, the Library and OSU. The First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience helps contribute to that 'family' feeling that everyone hopes to find while in college," Holly said.
Who was someone that helped you adjust to college life? Comment below!
Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications
