Mentorship Reflections

A remarkable self-discovery adventure began when I joined the spring 24’ Women's Empowerment Cohort. It ignited an extraordinary flame within me that has lit every part of my life. I was immediately embraced by a community of like-minded women when I entered the program. This program has given me vital tools, resources, and guidance, enabling me to overcome obstacles and realize my full potential. Thanks to the workshops, different activities, and one-on-one coaching session with Lauren, my knowledge of my passions, abilities, and the countless opportunities that lay ahead has expanded. One of the program's most empowering features is its overwhelming sense of sisterhood and solidarity, which permeates every connection. Sharing experiences, struggles, and wins with my fellow girls has been encouraging and inspiring. It has reminded me that when we work together, we can do everything we set our minds to. As the semester went on, I discovered that I was asserting my authority in ways I never would have imagined. My presence in my college community has changed due to adopting a fresh sense of purpose and confidence that has led me to take on new challenges, pursue chances, and speak up anywhere. I am incredibly appreciative of the Women's Empowerment Cohort Program and the significant influence it has had on my life; as I reflect on this semester, I am motivated, inspired, and prepared to move forward with steadfast resolve and tenacity on this path of personal development, empowerment, and self-discovery.

Reflecting on the past can be difficult, I have managed this by writing in a journal. My journal has various emotions embedded within it, but one that I hardly talk about is gratitude. In the first session of the women’s empowerment program, we are asked to write about our experiences when we were bold or wished we had been, when sisterhood has been there for us and when it hasn’t been, etc. I find that the practice of gratitude is helpful during these times when you are grateful for those around you or when circumstances meet in harmony. However, the practice of gratitude is a difficult one to hold onto when talking about yourself. After a difficult beginning in my college journey, I had to go through the difficult experience of re-discovering myself. The process starts with assessing your current situation, looking at your past actions, and how you can improve for the future. The decision to join the women’s empowerment program was an easy one. Women’s empowerment and belonging to a community/support system are extremely important to me, two things I ran away from and that I needed to help heal myself. I also believe that if you have gone through a difficult obstacle, you will do anything to make sure you and others never have to go through it again. The last couple of months I was able to deconstruct my belief system and build upon it as I understood that the reason why I am where I am now is because of gratitude. Gratitude shown through self-love, appreciation, patience, etc. to myself. It is not easy to recognize and admit when you need help, but when you are able to, that is having gratitude towards yourself.   P.S. Yes, I am using my Spring 2023 photo for this, I like it way too much.

This is my second semester taking part in this program. The best way to put it as the gift that keeps on giving. I first took part in the program to have a taste of a new environment and to meet new people. This semester I have still maintained some of the connections I gained previously. Plus I got closer with my mentor who was able to remind me to protect my piece, and not to let things that should be fun stress men out. I have seen a difference in how I was starting the program to now and I was able to grow into myself a bit more. I’ve come to grow to be able to be a bit more ok with asking for help, and putting myself out there more when wanting clarifications and information on interests.  The impact that this program as a whole has had on me has been wonderful. I have been able to work on bettering myself as well as learning from others around me. I always suggest, and recommend this program to other women in the unlv liberal arts community. This is an experience where you may think you are there for one thing, but you soon realize there is an array of positive benefits to this program. You get womanhood and sisterhood without a fee or biological aspect tied. It is another safe community where it feels like a family. There is encouragement and support of all types of growth and just being there for one another. I was having issues in an organization I am technically still a part of, however my mentor and a friend from this program were able to lend a listening ear. I was able to receive friendly advice/insight from new friends and mentors with my best interest at heart.