SOAR Mentor Program

 

 

Mission 

The mission of the EOPOS SOAR Mentor Program is to empower incoming SDSU students through the learning of resources and creating self-sustaining connections within the EOPOS community and San Diego State University. 

SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Academics, Relationship)

SOAR is the Mentor Program of the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS). The program pairs student mentors with incoming freshmen and transfer students. Mentors serve as guides to assist new students through the maze of rules, regulations, expectations, and activities of general college life. They also help students get connected to student organizations, cultural centers, and anything else they need to be a successful student at SDSU.

 

What are the benefits of the SOAR Mentor Program? 

• Identify campus resources that students can utilize to become a successful student (EOP Tutoring, Career Services, Major Advisors, Counseling & Psychological Services, etc.) 
• Employ the skills required to manage their college life effectively (time management, study skills, and learning style)
• Develop connections with peers and staff to enhance their academic, professional, and personal growth and success.

SOAR Team

Ximena Lopez Rivera

Co-Coordinator, Graduate Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

Alejandro Castruita

EOP Counselor, Coordinator  

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOAR Mentor Highlights

 

Amyra Tollier (Class of 2025) 

Participating in the SOAR program as a mentor has been transformative. Guiding someone through their journey, helping them overcome challenges, and watching their progress was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of helping others and how much impact mentorship can have. Through SOAR, I’ve grown as a leader, improved my communication skills, and greatly appreciated the power of shared knowledge and encouragement. It’s been a journey of mutual growth and connection that has enriched my academic and professional life in countless ways.

 

 

Carl Barcelona (Class of 2026) 

Coming into SDSU as a transfer student, I decided to join SOAR, and it was the best decision I have ever made. This program gave me a sense of community and helped me become familiar with the resources available to me at SDSU. Now that I’m a mentor at SOAR, this program continues to help me grow as an individual both personally and professionally.

 

 

 

Lesly Ortiz (Class of 2025)

Becoming a SOAR Mentor has been a life-changing experience for me. As a first-generation student from an underrepresented background and a family of farm workers, my own journey through college was anything but easy. At one point, I was close to dropping out, but the support of my own SOAR Mentor helped me realize my potential.

That experience inspired me to become a mentor myself, and for the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students who face similar challenges. It has given me the opportunity to guide and support students as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into college life. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be able to guide them, advocate for them, and remind them that they are capable of achieving their goals. It's not just about providing answers but also empowering students to discover their own paths. 

Being a SOAR Mentor has not only allowed me to give back to my community but has also deepened my passion for helping others and prepared me for future roles where I can continue to make a positive impact. I’ve also built meaningful connections and learned so much from the diverse perspectives and experiences of the students I’ve worked with. There are no words to fully express how grateful I am for this opportunity and the profound difference it has made in my life and hopefully, in the lives of others.

SOAR Mentee

What are the benefits for new students: 

• Having a friend/mentor to guide you through your first term at SDSU as a role model and advisory figure
  Learn more about campus resources
• Receive peer support and motivation
• Accelerates adjustment to campus
• Work with a high-achieving Junior or Senior student
• Introduced to social and developmental campus activities
• Develop discipline
• Able to share thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas with someone who will not be judgmental
  

What are the responsibilities of a mentee: 

• One semester commitment
• Meet with your mentor once a week for at least one hour
• Maintain good communication with your mentor at all times
• Allow your mentor to introduce developmental college activities. Activities include but are not limited to:
  Time management techniques
  • Study skills
  • Resume workshop
  • How to use library resources
    

How to become a mentee:

If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please email us at [email protected].

Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, as there are limited spaces available

SOAR Mentor 

Who should apply to be a SOAR Mentor?

• Students in good academic standing (at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA)
• Students with a keen interest in helping others and gaining leadership experience
• Students with good communication and organizational skills
• Skills in working with diverse student populations and the ability to acquire knowledge of the specific needs of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students

What are the benefits of serving as a SOAR Mentor? 

• Building community within EOPOS and the San Diego State community
• Gaining professional experience, as well as leadership skills
• Increasing your awareness of the diversity at SDSU, as well as the needs of a low-income, first-generation population
• Interacting and networking opportunities with other like-minded mentors, faculty, and staff

What are the responsibilities of a Mentor in the EOP SOAR Program?

• Attend all mentor meetings, including weekly mentee meetings, weekly SOAR staff meetings, and 1:1 coordinator meetings.
• Attend and participate in mentor training at the beginning of each semester. 
  Work in a cooperative and positive attitude, and maintain professional behavior at all times
• Keep accurate records of hours worked, contacts made with mentees, and/or planning sessions regarding SOAR activities.
• Assist mentees in navigating their first year at SDSU. 

How to apply to be a SOAR Mentor:

If you are interested in becoming a SOAR Mentor, please fill out the online Mentor Application for the SOAR Mentor Program, linked above. 

Apply Here 

For additional questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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