Top 10 List: Being a Big (Mentor)
Sam Waltemeyer
Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Greek Corner
Finally! Recruitment is over. It's a relief to be done. It doesn't matter whether it was formal recruitment, rush or dynamic recruitment, it's good to be done. So maybe you didn't get as many people as you hoped for, it happens. But the next couple of weeks are going to be awesome! It's time for New Member Education!
What's even more exciting is that you have decided to throw you hat into the ring. You are going to be a Big, a mentor. There are a couple things to consider before taking on this responsibility. I've compiled a short list to help you,
1. Pass on the Values
This is one of the biggest parts of being a mentor. It's not enough for a new member to read a bunch or words in a manual. Sure anybody can define Chivalry, Charity and to Develop Character, but what's more important is having conversations about those values. When a new member can explore those values through mentorship, they will have ownership of those values, and embrace them as their own.
2. Get the Pride Going
Sororities are really good at this. When you accept a bid not only do you get a ton of hugs, but you also get you room decorated in the colors of their sorority. It's those kinds of actions that instill pride in a new member.
You don't have to decorate a room though. Teach the chants and songs of your organization. Make a poster, sign or plaque. Show them the organization's photos. Get them excited!
3. Invest in their Life
A New Member invests in you. They take time out of their day to attend meetings, learn material and change a big part of their college career. It's only fair that you invest in them.
Take the time to learn about their family. Find out what things in life are important to them. Have meaningful conversations so that you become more than a member of Lambda Damma Ding Dong, but you are also become a friend. After all, isn't that what Sorority and Fraternity are all about?
4. Be an Advocate
Coming into a group is awkward. You don't know the rules yet. "Can I speak during meetings?" "Am I allowed to share my ideas?", "Is my opinion valued?" The funny thing is that we don't always remember those concerns. I mean we went through New Member Education a long time ago.
What's even more exciting is that you have decided to throw you hat into the ring. You are going to be a Big, a mentor. There are a couple things to consider before taking on this responsibility. I've compiled a short list to help you,
1. Pass on the Values
This is one of the biggest parts of being a mentor. It's not enough for a new member to read a bunch or words in a manual. Sure anybody can define Chivalry, Charity and to Develop Character, but what's more important is having conversations about those values. When a new member can explore those values through mentorship, they will have ownership of those values, and embrace them as their own.
2. Get the Pride Going
Sororities are really good at this. When you accept a bid not only do you get a ton of hugs, but you also get you room decorated in the colors of their sorority. It's those kinds of actions that instill pride in a new member.
You don't have to decorate a room though. Teach the chants and songs of your organization. Make a poster, sign or plaque. Show them the organization's photos. Get them excited!
3. Invest in their Life
A New Member invests in you. They take time out of their day to attend meetings, learn material and change a big part of their college career. It's only fair that you invest in them.
Take the time to learn about their family. Find out what things in life are important to them. Have meaningful conversations so that you become more than a member of Lambda Damma Ding Dong, but you are also become a friend. After all, isn't that what Sorority and Fraternity are all about?
4. Be an Advocate
Coming into a group is awkward. You don't know the rules yet. "Can I speak during meetings?" "Am I allowed to share my ideas?", "Is my opinion valued?" The funny thing is that we don't always remember those concerns. I mean we went through New Member Education a long time ago.
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