CEAT Scholars Mentor Program, Oklahoma State University
Mentee: Madison Eulberg
Olivia Long is an Oklahoma State University senior majoring in electrical engineering. She mentors three freshman engineering students during the fall 2020 semester.
“Olivia is a perfect example of what great peer mentoring looks like for our freshman students,” said Jordan Blackburn, coordinator of Student Retention Services. “As a personable and respectful leader, she has been able to have conversations that might take years for faculty and staff to have. The CEAT Scholar experience is greatly enhanced by caring and supportive mentors like Olivia.”
Long has found some of the best mentor-mentee activities involve just doing things around campus. Trying a new coffee drink at the Student Union, enjoying the breeze on a hot day at Theta Pond, or hiking to the northern portions of campus for dinner allow her to get to know her mentees and for them to get to know the campus at the same time.
COVID-19 has made it difficult for students looking to make social connections this semester. Long shared, “One of the greatest things to come from my relationship between my mentees and me is that I am able to provide an example of how that supportive peer connection is supposed to feel, and I hope our friendship encourages my mentees to continue to build their own support group.”
About the Program: Each year, OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology selects top incoming students to become a part of the CEAT Scholars Program, providing participants with professional development, community service, industrial explorations, international experiences, and cultural experiences. The Scholars Mentorship Program pairs together CEAT Scholar upperclassmen with CEAT Scholars in the freshman class to provide advice and academic support.
