After some rest, our QuickStart Mentors continued their support towards QuickStart by filling out a Post-Camp Survey. Here they had the opportunity to celebrate wins and detect areas which could be improved upon throughout the camp for the incoming years. We received thoughtful feedback full of gratitude. With the first question on the survey reading “What did you like the most about being a mentor? Why?”, mentors emphasized the relationships built. Mentors loved getting to be around other first-generation mentors and working with students who share that background. Being able to reflect on past experiences and provide for mentees what you did and or did not receive while in their place was highlighted too. Mentors enjoyed the balance of community building with all attendees and the deep support, teaching, and the work that we engage in for mentees. Lastly, mentors enjoyed having their subgroups which consisted of around 6-7 mentees and 2-3 mentors. Our next reflective question engaged mentors to choose a favorite memory and name the reason why it was memorable. A favorite activity that surged was our Lakewood evening because of the activities involved, they got students to have some fun. Mentors mentioned that the Panda Express buffet-style dinner on the lawn was their favorite memory because of the time we spent there and how it allowed for people to connect deeper as they shared a meal. Another favorite memory for some mentors included the essay writing time because they got to know mentees on a different level and really supported them with what they faced at hand. This allowed mentors to bond with students if they had similar experiences. Additionally, self-care at the end of the day and hearing mentees’ interest in coming back the following year as Jr. mentors as they headed home was very memorable for our mentors as it tells they see value, meaning, and have interest in returning.
Our mentors had opportunities to exercise and build their leadership skills throughout camp. Many of them broke out of their shells to connect and build relationships with mentees and their fellow mentors. This resulted in their confidence being built through these experiences. Our new mentors mentioned they took inspiration from senior mentors who had done QuickStart before which supported their growth as a leader. To add on, mentors mention they take with them the knowledge that to be a great leader does mean to step up, but to be a great leader one must also have the awareness to step back and allow others to lead. Our mentors got to practice patience and some learned how to be empathetic and mindful especially when dealing with situations where people are being vulnerable. For some mentors, it was the first time working with this age group and receiving information about financial aid, scholarships, and different pathways and programs. Overall, mentors left full of new knowledge, resources, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader.
In the end, QuickStart creates a beautiful and sacred environment where our mentors and all involved grow, learn, and teach in numerous ways. A wonderful and supportive community is built where we honor our experiences, roots, and vulnerability. Where hope grows. Engaging in meaningful and thoughtful reflection is what our wonderful, skillful team did to support QuickStart and continue making improvements to better support all involved in the future of this life-changing program.