{"id":24,"date":"2021-01-21T21:18:35","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T21:18:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-1-issue-1\/mentor-map-creates-real-time-connections-in-virtual-world\/"},"modified":"2021-02-18T22:00:14","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T22:00:14","slug":"mentor-map-creates-real-time-connections-in-virtual-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-2-issue-1\/mentor-map-creates-real-time-connections-in-virtual-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Mentor Map creates real-time connections in virtual world"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Courtney Morris<\/span><\/p>\n

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Zahra Cope (far left) with other 1st Men mentees (photo courtesy of Zahra Cope)<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Stressed, frustrated, overwhelmed, Zahra Cope wanted to quit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first in her family to pursue college, Cope was juggling full-time classes along with her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two. How could she ever complete her social and behavioral science program at San Jacinto College?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember telling my mentor, \u2018I\u2019m done. I\u2019m dropping everything\u2026. I\u2019m not equipped to do this,\u2019\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cope\u2019s mentor listened until she finished venting. Then she offered suggestions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer letting me completely let my frustration out made me realize I didn\u2019t need to quit school,\u201d Cope said. \u201cI needed to take a deep breath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast forward to today: Cope is pursuing a bachelor\u2019s degree in social work. She credits her 1st Gen mentors with keeping her on track at San Jac.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do it alone — absolutely,\u201d she said. \u201cBut you can do it with mentors way faster and way better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In fall 2020, the College began piloting Mentor Map to increase mentoring connections. This app-driven platform not only improves mentor\/mentee matching but also creates a virtual environment where students like Cope get the support they need to reach their goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mentoring \u2026 it\u2019s not what you think<\/span><\/h3>\n

In 2019-2020, Rhonda Tompkins, former manager of leadership development, led a project team researching ways to expand mentoring College-wide. This team included representatives from human resources, information technology, and current mentoring programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

During earlier research, Tompkins had learned a thing or two about modern mentoring: First, it goes beyond the formula of a more experienced person guiding someone less experienced. Second, it includes many options — from peer to peer and groups to tech-savvy people guiding those less tech-savvy. It even includes flash mentoring, a brief relationship focused on one topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

The project team also discovered Chronus mentoring software, which could create connections, improve administrative aspects, and provide needed data.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy couldn\u2019t we take these new definitions of what mentoring is, utilize a software app, and connect the entire College community?\u201d Tompkins said. \u201cIt really removes boundaries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mentor Map, San Jac\u2019s branding for the software, was the result.<\/span><\/p>\n

Platform takes 1st Gen and DSP to another level<\/span><\/h3>\n
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San Jac mentoring pair (photo courtesy of Michelle Cantu-Wilson)<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

While nontraditional mentoring is still down the road, Mentor Map enhances the College\u2019s established mentoring programs: 1st Gen and Diverse Student Populations (DSP).<\/span><\/p>\n

1st Gen connects students who are the first in their family to attend college with mentors who had a similar background. DSP supports students by advancing equity and understanding. Although diverse is in its title, it is open to any student.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt first glance, it may seem like we cater to a specific audience, yet diversity encompasses many different students,\u201d said Joshua Shankle, DSP team member and retention specialist for the Central Campus iConnect Center.<\/span><\/p>\n

DSP provides a safe environment for all students, no matter what their background, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, etc. Shankle says Mentor Map\u2019s virtual environment will increase connection opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDuring these times when so much is being performed online, having a mentoring program that can be completely performed online as well is essential,\u201d he said. \u201cThis allows our students to stay connected to us and receive guidance during possibly difficult times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve got a friend in me<\/span><\/h3>\n

After expressing interest and receiving an invitation to join, students and employees complete a profile with personal details and mentoring goals. Through Mentor Map software algorithms, students receive mentor recommendations and can choose the best match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mentor and mentee then download a phone app to plan together how long and deep they want the relationship to go. They can also check each other\u2019s schedule, set up in-person or virtual meetings, and chat. While the system keeps them on track with push notifications, the student must drive the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMentoring is not about performance\u2026. It\u2019s mentee-driven,\u201d Tompkins said. \u201cThe mentees are the ones to seek out the individuals who can get them where they want to go — from a career perspective and professional development perspective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Through mentoring, students find someone to support them through adversity, challenge them, and celebrate their strengths. Mentors get to share wisdom from experience, ask the right questions, and be a friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Connection still matters in virtual world<\/span><\/h3>\n

What the pilot team didn\u2019t expect as it was building Mentor Map was COVID-19. The timing was perfect for a virtual mentoring environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

When San Jac moved to altered operations in March 2020, faculty and other employees lost face-to-face connection with students. Even as the College continues to offer some classes and services virtually, Mentor Map creates a place for one-on-one relationships to support students however they need.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt really helps in our relationally-challenged world right now,\u201d Tompkins said. \u201cSometimes an app or piece of software can help bridge those worlds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had to join\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

Eventually, Mentor Map may take on alumni and other community members as mentors as student interest builds. For now, it allows students and employees to create relationships with a purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

North Campus coordinator for Intentional Connections Gwendolyn Berry joined Mentor Map in the fall. Her purpose is being the mentor for someone else that she needed as a college freshman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Already working with first-generation college students, Berry wants to expand her reach through mentoring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMany of my students are feeling the strain of the pandemic and stressors from life,\u201d she said. \u201cAs I talked to my students and encouraged them not to give up, I pondered the question \u2018Are there other San Jac students who feel the same way?\u2019 Knowing how positive connections can \u2026 enrich anyone, I had to join.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Are You a Match for Mentoring?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Are you a current San Jacinto College student or an employee interested in becoming a mentor? You may request an invitation to join a mentoring program by visiting one of these pages:<\/span><\/p>\n