D.R.E.A.M. peer mentors and coaches host inaugural Café Social

A new mentorship organization called Dependable, Responsive, Excellent, Advisor, Mentor (D.R.E.A.M.) held its inaugural Café Social April 22 at the Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses.  D.R.E.A.M. was created fall 2018 thanks to a three-year grant from the State of Tennessee to hire student mentors and coaches to assist students in their academic journey.

Mentors Jessica McVey and Kazia Mobley prepare a resource table for their mentees on the Union Avenue Campus.

Mentors Jessica McVey and Kazia Mobley prepare a resource table for their mentees on the Union Avenue Campus.

Café Social provided mentors and coaches an opportunity to meet and chat with their mentees about various college-wide and student supported resources. Popular topics were career services, study abroad, scholarships and clubs. The Taste At Southwest provided lunch.

Academic Advisor and D.R.E.A.M. Team Coordinator SaTonya Cox says the mentors and coaches enjoy the opportunity to provide advice and assistance to their mentees one-on-one.  “They serve as a positive influence for their mentees and help keep them up-to-date on their classes,” Cox said. “When we get together, we not only answer the detailed questions our mentees ask, we get to learn more about them and their academic goals. Meeting in an informal way like this helps to establish a sense of camaraderie.”

D.R.E.A.M. expects to have 10 mentors in place for the summer and eight throughout the school year.

 

If you would like to become a D.R.E.A.M. mentor or coach, contact SaTonya Cox at (901) 333-5089 or sthoma11@southwest.tn.edu.

Mentor Lekeyantia Naylor (at left) meets her mentees at the D.R.E.A.M. Café Social on the Macon Cove Campus.
Mentor Lekeyantia Naylor (at left) meets her mentees at the D.R.E.A.M. Café Social on the Macon Cove Campus.

Mentor Lekeyantia Naylor (at left) meets her mentees at the D.R.E.A.M. Café Social on the Macon Cove Campus.