Nominated by
Zachery Brown

Program
Slippery Rock University - Rock Life

Semesters as a Mentor
2

Please describe in detail how this nominee stands out among the other peer mentors in your program.
Ciara joined our Rock Life team in the fall of 2023. Over the course of that semester, Ciara provided a calming voice, accountability, guidance, and trust for the student that she was paired with. Ciara made it her personal mission to ensure that she and her students were meeting 5-10 hours per week. Ciara and her student consistently would meet her student in the library to work on assignments. Ciara and her student attended weekly meals, sporting events, Rock Life social events and worked out weekly together. Ciara collaborated with another peer mentor to host a pumpkin painting/carving event. The students really enjoyed that event. This semester (spring 2024), we partnered Ciara with another student in the program. Ciara was partnered with two additional peer mentors. This student needed additional support. Given Ciara’s positive demeanor, background as an education major, I knew Ciara was the right person to provide additional support for our student. Ciara jumped in with both feet and went above and beyond this semester. Ciara worked with her student every week to discuss assignments, provided supervision at the students vocational site, drove and picked up her student to the on-campus horse barn every Wednesday, and assisted from time-to-time with mediating friendship conflict. Ciara also had an opportunity to foster positive relationships with many of our students. One example, our program hosts bi-weekly bowling. Ciara transported our students, via van, almost every week of the semester. Because of her commitment, I knew that I could count on Ciara to be available for the students. I am reminded of a quote from Mr. Fred Rodgers that said “look for the helpers.” That is a quote that has always stuck with me. I feel that society wins when we are lifting each other up. Ciara is a helper. We need more people like Ciara in the world. Her care, commitment and passion has provided a lasting impact on all of our students. It is my privilege to nominate Ciara.