Mentor-Mentee Backyard Cookout

Mentors & mentees at the first social

First mentor-mentee social of the year- a backyard cookout

Chapter President Hailey Lanier & fundraising chair Lauren Ward

Joining a new student organization, registering for classes, or transferring between colleges can be nerve-wracking, but a group of Illinois State University PRSSA members have taken on new roles to help. The mentor-mentee program partners upperclassmen or returning PRSSA members with new members. On Saturday, Sept. 28, 23 mentors and mentees joined in a fun and relaxing cookout as a way to get to know each other. 

One of the most memorable moments from the night was our introductory name game using a veggie tray. Attendees also shared their love or hate for Halloween and all things scary. Junior mentee, Bridget Anders, said her favorite part of the night was the delicious food and listening to other members share their stories about ISU.  The cookout didn’t just introduce mentors and mentees, but it was a chance for all of the members to get acquainted. 

"It was great getting to know more people in the Chapter, not just my mentees. It's fun to just relax with everyone and hang out outside of meetings and professional events," added PRSSA historian and mentor, Abby Brennan. 

The mentors and mentees hope to do an activity twice a semester, but pairs can also meet for coffee, discuss classes and careers, or just hang out. Hailey Lanier, ISU PRSSA president, loves the opportunity to be a mentor. 

“I really like the mentor-mentee program because it allows less experienced members to get more involved in the chapter and meet more people. It also allows older or more experienced members to teach others, which helps them learn more as well,” Lanier said. 

In all, the first mentor-mentee social was a success and enjoyed by many members. Lauren Vahldick, a junior mentee, is excited for future activities with other mentor-mentee pairs. 

“Signing up to be a mentee was such a great decision for me, and I'm so excited for this program. I feel much more confident about my future by having a mentor, and I'm looking forward to what will come of this year in PRSSA!” 


By Ali Seys