Using Student Voice to Develop Students As Leaders

​The team at Lion’s Pride Mentoring has always set out to empower young people to serve as leaders in their communities, believing that students are best equipped to identify and solve student problems. Over the course of this school year, Lion’s Pride Mentoring plans to expand the power of students in the program. One new method for increased student voice comes with the addition of “Bigs Only” sessions.

The first “Big Only” session took place at the founding Lion’s Pride Mentoring campus, Baker College Prep where Bigs, student mentors in the program, were able to gather together and discuss with their fellow Bigs how they are doing with their Little, student mentee. Bigs also received extra support and guidance from the Lion’s Pride Mentoring Program Manager Brianna Kuramitsu to find solutions to better mentor their Little and encourage them.

Macey with her former Big Essi

​During the session, our intern caught up with Macey Colston, a senior who used to be a Little herself and now serves as a Big. Macey discussed how rejoining the Lion’s Pride Program has impacted her positively.

​Macey specifically mentioned her experience with the “Big Only” session, saying, “I like it a lot now. At first, I thought I didn’t need it, but it turned out to be good. When I struggle with my Little, there will be someone at the session with ideas that can help.” 

​Another way Lion’s Pride Mentoring hopes to honor our commitment to uplifting student voices is to continue to stay in contact with our alumni and integrate their voices into our decision-making. Lion’s Pride Mentoring hopes to increase contact with the hire of a Manager of Student Supports in the coming months and interview alumni multiple times throughout the year. Our intern recently interviewed Travis Gipson, a Baker College Prep Lion’s Pride Mentoring alum, who shared how the program continues to impact him.

Travis as a senior at Baker College Prep

“I put upon myself to be more active in the campus communities, so now I’m President of the Black Student Union. I’m also part of a mentoring program like I was in high school. It's called Net Search STEM Mentorship Program where I am a mentor to three freshmen.” 

Travis continued on saying how the program “was a wake-up call for sure” and how the program was the reason why he joined Net Search. A few alumni were able to  join us at our first ever holiday party where they shared their experience with the program and how Lion’s Pride Mentoring continues to support  them.

As Lion’s Pride Mentoring begins to see more alumni graduating from college in the coming years, the need for more opportunities for alumni will become more necessary. While we await the hire of our Manager of Student Supports, Lion’s Pride Mentoring would love to connect with individuals and companies interested in providing career shadow days, internships, or career advice. Check out our “Become A Volunteer” section of our website for more information and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on other opportunities with Lion’s Pride Mentoring. ​