Mentorship & Management

My project was completed at Philmont Scout Ranch, run by the Boy Scouts of America, in Northeastern New Mexico. The purpose of my project was to help the audience of backpacking guides and camp staff be better able to work with their crews to help them develop their group dynamics. The results will show in future crews’ evaluations of their experiences with the staff members, in the staff members’ personal evaluations of their experiences with the crews, and the staff members’ bosses’ observations and evaluations.

Understanding group dynamics is an integral part of staff members’ abilities to help crews have successful and impactful backpacking treks at Philmont.

First Gen United is a new organization at Truman State University that aims toward supporting first generation college students by providing a network of peers with similar background experiences, relaying pertinent college information, connecting students with resources and information from the varying departments on campus, assisting in the development of life skills, and mentoring first generation (first gen) students. This project will allow for the mentorship program of First Gen United to be developed so that it can continue to provide support for future first generation college students long after I have left Truman. Ideally, I will not only develop the structure for the program, but I will also begin implementing the program and start the mentorship process. As a result of this program, I hope to make all first generation college students at Truman feel more comfortable, at home, and knowledgeable about college life.