Where Are You On The College Pain Scale? 

By: Gwen Swan
Contributing Writer 

We’re more than halfway through the semester, so you probably know if you’re hurting. Are you having zero pain—sailing through with a sure A or B? Well, booyah to you! Possibly at 4 or 5. . . somewhat distressed, but managing? The pain varies from day to day, depending on questionable assignments, unpredictable instructors, or the demands of personal life. You’ll probably pass most classes, then pass out. 

Or is the pain at 6 and rapidly approaching the demonic “wtf” of a 10 — the unimaginable, unspeakable thought of flunking courses? DUDE! We feel your pain and are here to help. Welcome to the Pioneer Connections Peer Mentor Program! 

Ok, I’ll drop the metaphors and provide the real relief that our program offers. If you’re at least 23 and taking college courses while trying to manage the demands of an outside life, you know that adulting ain’t easy. Believe me; as Peer Mentors, we’ve been there (some still are), and we know that it’s hard to ask for help. But there ain’t no shame in asking. Even Kendrick Lamar addressed getting help in his album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers with United in Grief’s line, “I went out and got me a therapist.”  

We’re definitely not therapists, but as one of our mentors said, we can “walk you home.” It’s our job to assist you—as one-on-one mentors—in removing obstacles to your success. For instance, you may not know that Vol State: 

• Provides emergency financial assistance to students through the Vol State Foundation Emergency Assistance program to help students who are experiencing unexpected financial hardships. 

• Offers one-on-one counseling for improving time management and organizational issues when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work required. 

• Will provide you a loaner laptop for an entire semester if you’re part of the Trio program for first-generation college students or have a low family income. 

• Provides campus tours if you’re having difficulty navigating the campus. 

• Provides accommodations for students with disabilities. 

• Provides “Fuel for Finals” sessions in the Learning Commons close to the end of each semester (November this fall semester) for assistance with “cramming” and prepping for finals. 

• Provides pre-packed bags of groceries and non-perishable food items to students at The Feed. 

• Provides opportunities to show off your talents in Poetry Slams, Storytelling Slams and Songwriting Slams . . . often with cash prizes awarded! 

• Provides free tutoring and instructions on navigating eLearn in the Learning Commons. 

• Provides free 24/7 counseling and crisis support via 988. 

There are many more; and if we don’t have answers, we research and find them for you.  

One of our current mentees is a full-time student who works as a Sterile Processing Technician, a demanding, fast-paced position. She also manages a household—independently—and has ADHD. Another is also juggling a full load of courses, a job, and parenting. Some have health challenges, mental or physical; some are veterans trying to navigate an environment that can seem foreign at times. 

Earlier, I mentioned the age of 23; to date, that’s the entry age for mentees. Veteran status also makes you eligible for the program. If you don’t fit into either of those categories but know someone who does and is considering college but reluctant to take the step, please refer them to us. Also, don’t forget about us if you hit 23 before graduation and would like us to “walk you home.” 

Got questions? Contact us at peermentor@volstate.edu. And if you’re ready to be paired with a peer mentor, fill out the Mentee Application Form at www.volstate.edu/peermentor.  

Remember: we can help reduce the pain!