Having student mentors as part of the fabric of LifePrep@Naz is what makes this program such an incredible experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They not only provide support for LifePrep students, but also become genuine friends who make a life-long impact on their peers.

Recently, we sent out a survey to all of our LifePrep Mentors to learn more about what makes this program so meaningful to them. The responses were amazing and truly highlighted the sense of comradery and respect that we strive to encompass in all Arc of Monroe programs.

 

100% of Mentors Agreed or Strongly Agreed with the following statements: 

Because of being a LifePrep Mentor:

• I have gained a greater appreciation for the strengths of individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities.
• I now feel more comfortable interacting and working with individuals with IDD.
• I have become more aware of and reflected on some of my own personal biases.
• I’ve come to realize that ability is socially constructed.
• I have a deeper appreciation for inclusion and diversity.
• My professional skills have strengthened (communication, dependability, critical thinking, accountability, etc.)
• I am able to connect my learning in the program with the courses and activities I am involved with (and vice versa).
• I have a place on campus where I feel like I belong.

 

Would you recommend being a LifePrep mentor to other students? Why?

• Absolutely! It’s such a fun job, and all of the students are such incredible people; I feel so lucky to be able to call them my friends. I’d love for other students to have the same experiences I’ve had.
• Yes because it allows for you to help others grow to their full potential and to grow yourself.
• Yes I would. It is such an inclusive and caring community. The friendships I’ve made I will cherish forever, and through my shifts I have learned a lot and enhanced my skills.
• Yes! I have recommended many friends to work as a LifePrep mentor! This program is super positive and impactful, and anyone can benefit by being a part of it. There is so much to learn while working with LifePrep!
• Absolutely. This has been such a great experience I tell people to sign up to be a mentor all the time. We also learn so much from the students that we can apply to our professions regardless of your major and daily lives.

 

Describe how your involvement in LifePrep this semester has impacted you:

• It has shown me how much my own attitude in life can help others to grow.
• I’ve gained a lot of experience and have made connections that I’m sure will last much past college.
• It allowed me to see how much I can make a difference and to trust myself in situations.
• I have made so many new friendships and through vocational placements experienced many different types of jobs and all around campus that I am very thankful for. I feel this semester I learned a lot that I will carry with me forever.
• It has impacted me by allowing me to gain friendships as well as a job.
• I have felt needed and heard. It’s been a wonderful experience and something I am grateful for joining as it is a really wonderful place.
• I love LifePrep! I feel like it has helped me understand how to work with people, and how to help them with their work. I feel like it has helped me to find a place where I belong.
• I have continued learning from the LifePrep students since working with them all again this semester. My communication skills have never been great but simply by observing how the students communicate with each other and with myself, I have grown in the area. I also feel as though I am a part of a supportive community where I am valued as a mentor to the students and as an employee by the staff. I am very grateful for my involvement and look forward to continuing it in the future!
• It provides me with a homebase and consistency.
• It helped me improve my patience and critical thinking.
• This job has been my favorite part of Naz so far because it has given me a community here with the students and some other mentors.
• I gained knowledge about diversity and inclusion.
• I have had the opportunity to practice leadership and public speaking skills through my roles in LP.
• It solidifies the setting in which I want to work.
• This program has opened my own eyes as to the life path that I would like to follow and helped me select my specialty in graduate school. Every time I go home for a break, I always talk the most about this program and the pride that I have for the program. Some of my best memories at Nazareth have been in LifePrep or with the people that I met through LifePrep. Over Thanksgiving, I was telling my family how much of an impact LifePrep has had on me and the only way I have been able to describe the feeling that LifePrep gives me is that this program breaks my heart open in the best way possible. I have so much love and pride for this program and the students in it. I feel like I share in so many of their accomplishments.

This is just a snapshot of the many sentiments that we’ve heard over the years about how meaningful LifePrep@Naz is to everyone involved. From the administrators, to the instructors, to the mentors, to the students, and ultimately to the greater Nazareth community, this program truly highlights what inclusion and empowering others is all about.

Every semester, we welcome dozens of Nazareth students to join us as LifePrep Mentors. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, we would love to connect you with someone on our team! Visit www.ArcMonroe.org/LifePrep-Naz to learn more about the program.

LifePrep@Naz is a collaboration between the Arc of Monroe, Victor Central School District, and Nazareth College. Participants attend college classes, participate in vocational internships, and enjoy a vibrant campus social life. Nazareth College students provide academic support, peer mentorship, and friendship.