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Mentorship (noun - men·tor·ship): the guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.
 
While many Northern State student-athletes will experience mentorship on the field of play, few have taken those steps outside of their respective teams. Garret Thompson, a redshirt freshman on the wrestling team, has done just that.
 
In just his first year with the NSU TRIO Program, Thompson has found a passion in peer mentorship.
 
Where did you first hear about the TRIO program and how did you get involved?
Thompson: I attended the TRIO Freshman Orientation during my 1st year at Northern. I immediately loved the program. I greatly enjoyed all of the fun activities. I also was able to build relationships with other students I wouldn't usually see.
 
Tell us a little bit more about TRIO and what the program does?
Thompson: TRIO SSS is a campus organization that provides academic support to first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and students who meet income qualifications. They provide support by personalized academic advising, extended tutoring hours, peer mentors who live in a learning community, and financial aid.
 
To me, the most important aspect that TRIO SSS provides is the academic advising. My personal advisor is Becky Jensen. She is awesome! Each advising appointment is about an hour, however normal advising appointments are about half that. She not only cares about my academics, but asks about all the other aspects of my life. Krista Bau is the other academic advisor in the TRIO SSS office. She also does a phenomenal job.
 
How many students do you work with as a peer mentor?
Thompson: Each mentor works with roughly 15-25 students. We send all of our mentees a weekly email. Each mentor also sends a personal email to each mentee.
 
What are some examples of typical situations that you have to aid students with?
Thompson: I help students in a variety of situations. The most common one is with academic uncertainty. Students sometimes struggle with the major they are in. They have questions regarding the future. Students also have questions about campus, certain classes, they struggle in personal loss, and other situations. Our job as a mentor is to help guide our mentees through these struggles.
 
What are some of the challenges that you have faced and had to overcome as a peer mentor?
Thompson: The biggest challenge that I have faced as a mentor is that sometimes people don't want help. This doesn't mean that you stop trying however. It is important for mentees to know that you always care! I personally have not had any other major challenges. I really enjoy mentoring, and I love doing it!
 
What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with TRIO?
Thompson: The most rewarding part of being in TRIO SSS and being a mentor is the relationships I have created. I love meeting new people and connecting with them. I want to be an educator someday, and I believe that it is a valuable skill!
 
Has any of your TRIO work helped you as a member of the wrestling team?
Thompson: My work as a mentor has helped me learn how to balance all of the areas of my life. I think that it has helped me be a better leader also. This has translated to the wrestling team very well, I believe.
 
Is there anything else you would like to add about TRIO that others may not already know?
Thompson: I am thankful for the TRIO program and the opportunities it has provided me. I am also thankful for my other mentors and all of our mentees. They have made my job as a mentor easy and fun!