Mentors and mentees from multiple schools and program formats gathered to begin building meaningful relationships through the program for first-year students.
The FIRST Peer Mentoring Program, which pairs first-year students with experienced peers, officially launched with a meet and greet focused on fostering connection, care, and community. Mentors and mentees from Shady Grove, fully online programs, and undergraduate pathways came together, reflecting the diverse ways students engage with and experience the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The gathering set a strong foundation for relationship-building and peer support throughout the year.
Participants represented a range of schools and academic backgrounds, including the School of Nursing and School of Dentistry. This diversity of disciplines and learning modalities enriched conversation and highlighted the value of cross-campus connection within the mentoring experience.
Through thoughtful icebreakers, shared space, and open dialogue, attendees had the opportunity to build rapport and exchange outreach strategies for supporting meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
One mentor reflected on the experience, sharing:
“The meet and greet was a great opportunity to build rapport with the program of leadership and my fellow mentors. The true highlight was the collective sharing regarding outreach strategies. The connections built early on are exactly what help me stay patient and grounded when supporting my mentee.”
The kickoff marked an intentional and welcoming start to the mentoring journey ahead, with continued engagement and community-building opportunities to follow.