Farewell and Fresh Beginnings:
My Journey from Peer Mentor to Program Coordinator
As I sit down to write this farewell blog post, I am filled with a mix of emotions: gratitude, nostalgia, excitement, and a bit of that inevitable nervousness that accompanies new beginnings. Over the past few years, I have had the incredible privilege of serving as a Peer Mentor at the University of Utah Financial Wellness Center. This role has not only shaped my career but also profoundly influenced my personal growth. As I transition into a full-time role as the next Program Coordinator at the same center, I want to reflect on my journey, share invaluable lessons, and offer some advice to those stepping into the shoes I once filled.
Gratitude for the Journey
First and foremost, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside and learned from some of the most passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable individuals in the financial counseling and higher education fields. My colleagues and mentors at the center have been incredibly supportive and insightful, providing guidance that transcended professional boundaries and ventured into personal development. The environment here at the University of Utah has fostered growth, innovation, and a deep sense of community, for which I am profoundly grateful.
Key Lessons Learned
Throughout my time as a Peer Mentor at the Financial Wellness Center, I encountered a myriad of challenges and opportunities that taught me more than I could have anticipated:
The more you do it, the less scary it becomes: One of the most significant lessons I learned is the importance of showing up, even when the task in front of me is daunting or I don’t feel ready. We improve by doing, not by waiting until we feel "ready." As a recovering perfectionist, it was uncomfortable for me to do things I hadn’t mastered yet, but that’s part of the job. Being a student employee at the U is the perfect place to try things we might not be comfortable with yet. That’s why we’re here — to learn and grow, even when it’s hard.
Financial counseling is a form of empowerment: Another critical realization was the power of 1:1 financial counseling. It’s more than budgeting and saving; it’s about empowering individuals to make informed choices that align with their long-term goals and values. If I can help even one student feel less stressed while in college, that’s a win.
Continuous learning: Getting to work at a university that values research and evidence-based practices has been invaluable, especially in the fields of financial counseling and higher education. The Financial Wellness Center fosters professional development in a way I hadn’t experienced before, and I am truly grateful for that.
Advice for New Peer Mentors
To those just beginning their journey as Peer Mentors at the FWC, cherish this opportunity. You are in a unique position to make a significant impact on your peers' lives. Here are a few pieces of advice:
Stay Open to New Beginnings: When I first stepped into this role, I had planned to go to PA (Physician Assistant) school after graduation. But things in my personal life shifted, and paired with my work at the FWC, my plans changed. I ended up self-studying to become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), and a year later, I passed the exam. Be open to leaning into something that excites you, even if it doesn’t fit your original plans.
Know the 4 Stages of the Counseling Process: As Peer Mentors, we don’t need to have all the answers, but understanding the four stages of the counseling process can help make your sessions run smoothly. The stages are: initiate, explore, understand, and act. Feel free to ask me about it in the office — I’d love to explain it more!
Seek Feedback and Reflect: Always look for feedback from your mentors and colleagues. Reflect on this regularly to improve and grow in your role.
Looking Ahead
As I transition into the role of Program Coordinator, I am eager to take what I’ve learned from my experiences and apply it on a broader scale. I aim to enhance our programs, expand our reach, and continue cultivating an environment where students feel supported in their financial wellness journeys.
To all I have worked with and learned from: thank you. Your impact on my professional journey and personal development has been immense, and I carry forward not only the knowledge you have shared but also the energy of commitment and compassion that defines our center.
Here’s to new beginnings and the continuation of our shared mission to support student well-being and success through financial counseling, education, programming, research, and advocacy. I look forward to this next chapter with great anticipation, ready to face new challenges and achieve new goals.
Go Utes!
