Adjusting to college life can be a tedious process for freshmen threading the college route alone. The ETSU Guiding Others Academically and Leading Successfully (GOALS) program is now available to make the process easier for African-American students on campus.
The program initiated by academic advisor, Stephanie Murphy, in fall 2004 has produced several success stories so far.
Students participating in the program are paired with a mentor suited to them based on similarities listed on a application. The mentor then establishes a relationship with the mentee, and begins assuming the big brother- or sister-like role the program suggests.
Second year nursing major, Latoya McLeod appreciated her mentor – senior Tamara Lansden – so much that she was encouraged to return to the program as a mentor herself. “I like how my mentor was and I want to help another student,” she said.
Lansden and McLeod still have an ongoing relationship even after their year in the program is over.
Being a mentor is not very difficult or time-consuming Lansden explained. She did simple activities with her mentee. “We went out to events off-campus, (I) helped her with her homework, I cooked for her some days, talked on the phone on a regular basis,” she said.
The main purpose of the program is to ease the transition for African-American students and to aid in retention. “(Mentors) show mentees the ropes of college life because it is a big step coming from high school,” Murphy said.
She explained that the program currently has approximately 30 members enrolled. Regularly scheduled meetings are held with to ensure that relationships are being established smoothly. Interested students can contact Murphy in the ARC.

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