Class of 2012
Jesse Schaefer
Contact
E-mail: jschaefer2@washcoll.edu
Campus Involvement
- Equestrian team
- Pegasus yearbook
- Co-chair: Service Council
- IM soccer
- IM floor hockey
On Being a Peer Mentor
To new students, Washington College is a massive locomotive, speeding down the tracks towards the station where they stand aghast on the platform. As the train nears, it slows just slightly, and the people on the train yell, "Come on, hop aboard!" The students stand bleary eyed and motionless, vision clouded from the locomotive's exhaust. And now imagine that if this locomotive is Washington College, the Peer Mentors are the passengers on the train that extend a hand out to these bewildered souls and say, "Grab my hand, I'll help you up."
There's no doubt about it, beginning college is daunting, intimidating, perhaps, at times even nauseating. After all, Washington College is a long standing and well-respected institution, a formidable locomotive speeding down the tracks of academia and a new student is only one individual being asked to integrate themselves into a completely foreign community, to "hop aboard." By extending their hand, Peer Mentors ensure that everyone boards the train. Not only do we guide orientation, but we try to build lasting relationships with each of our mentees that extend beyond the first weeks of school. In these relationships, we try to embody the values of Washington College in our actions, thus leading by example.
To build these relationships we strive to be approachable, friendly, responsible, and reliable individuals. These relationships are instrumental in allowing us to monitor the students' progress. We want to ensure our mentees are well-adjusted to their new role as college students. In order to facilitate this adjustment, we provide information about Washington College services, encourage students to get involved on campus, and help students connect with their professors and excel in their classes. Although our biggest role is to extend a hand initially, we don't abandon our mentees after simply helping them aboard. We also accompany them to their seat, make sure they are comfortable, and introduce them to fellow passengers. Now that they are aboard, all that is left for them to do is to select their next stop.
Q & A
Hometown and high school? Alloway, NJ; Woodstown High School.
Favorite class? English 101 renewed my love for reading and writing; it forced me to re-evaluate my future plans and acknowledge my talents while making me a better writer.
Recommended professor? Professor Dubrow
Most memorable experience as a first-year student? War on the Shore was a unique experience because as a small school, Washington College doesn't typically draw large crowds to athletic events. However, the rivalry between Washington and Salisbury is exhilarating and works to unify the campus. Even if you've never seen a lacrosse game, you will get caught up in the electrifying energy.
If you could be a condiment, which one would you be and why? I would choose peanut butter. I love peanut butter for its versatility and adaptability. It pairs well with nearly anything!
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? I would be able to read people's minds. Not only would this be helpful, but it would be amusing as well
Campus Event Appearances
Look for Jesse in these event photos.