By Galen Chun, Psy.D., Clinical Director CLE Davie
I had the pleasure to sit down with Coral and her CLE mentor, Kelsey, for an interview about mentoring.
Coral, what do you like about mentoring?
It allows me a place to talk and vent about interpersonal problems I am having. We often play board games while I sketch during our sessions. It forces me to talk about how to better organize my life such as where to put my doctor’s appointments or plan things with my cosplay.
How has mentoring been challenging for you?
It helps when I am trying to procrastinate, and my mentor calls me out. Usually it helps prevent me from feeling overwhelmed. I also tend to self-hate or criticize everything I do. My mentor challenges me to have a more realistic view of myself.
How has mentoring helped to increase your social independence?
I can start conversations with different people now. Before I would just stick to the people I knew and wouldn’t branch out.
Have you tried new things?
I used to get in a rut with how I saw social events. I really did not want to be around people. Now I always advocate for new opportunities such as going to the CLE Dungeons and Dragons group and events that are a little outside the box.
Kelsey, what do you like about being a mentor?
I get to hang out with Coral [Both Laugh]. I like that my students teach me about interests I had never been exposed to before. I enjoy getting their perspective by watching the shows that are dear to them. I had no idea about Cosplay before I met Coral, now I have gone to two different conventions through CLE. Knowing her interests helps me to relate better to Coral.
Is it difficult to facilitate a CLE social activity with a number of your mentees?
Students can and do pull me aside if they want to tell me something private while on a CLE activity. Depending on the situation I will be able to give feedback to the individual or the group. We also have an opportunity to talk about it later individually if needed.
How have you been challenged as a mentor?
I have learned how to be creative about individualizing my teaching based on the student’s personality and interests. The same approach does not always work with everyone, I enjoy the challenge of finding what works.
