Pre-Health Peer Mentorship Program
Under the Center for Health, Human Development, and Creativity’s Pre-Health Peer Mentorship Program, junior and senior pre-health students mentor incoming first-year students who plan on pursuing a career in a helping profession, regardless of their field of study. Helping professions include—but are not limited to—art, dance, drama, music, physical and other therapies; counseling, psychology, social work, and other mental health fields; public health; speech-language pathology and audiology; medicine, physician assistant, optometry, podiatry, and other fields involving direct patient care and more.
Mentors provide 1:1 guidance and support by meeting with their mentees at least once per month, either in person or on Zoom, which continues throughout the mentees’ freshman year. If both parties agree, the mentor/mentee relationships may continue beyond the first year.
Training, feedback, and support are all continuously provided to mentors through the Center for Health, Human Development, and Creativity. Mentors receive invaluable experience by serving in a leadership role and gain the knowledge and expertise that graduate and professional schools look for. The leadership experience also serves to enhance their resume. Above all, mentors gain satisfaction from helping their fellow MMC students acclimate to their new college environment.
Students who’d like to join the program, either as a mentor or a mentee, should contact Eugene Rubin, pre-health advisor and career counselor, at erubin@mmm.edu.
Meet our 2023-24 Peer Mentors!
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I’m pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Art Therapy and Social Work.
Why do you want to be a peer mentor:
I like to help others and would like to meet new people who have the same interests in public health careers. Some qualities that make me an effective leader are being compassionate, organized, and a good listener.How do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy drawing, painting, and dancing. One of my favorite past volunteer experiences was working with visually impaired adults and children and creating a special bond with them through interactive activities. -
I’m a double major in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, with a minor in Forensic Psychology. I’m also the president of the Pre-Health Club!
What drew you to your majors?
I’m fascinated by the various theoretical approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes, and I hope to use this knowledge to help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Additionally, my minor in Forensic Psychology provides me with a unique perspective on the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Through courses such as Introduction to Forensic Psychology, I have gained an understanding of how psychological principles can be applied to legal issues such as criminal investigations, jury selection, and eyewitness testimony. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education to make a positive impact on society, whether by contributing to scientific research or by working directly with individuals in need.Fun fact: Tell us about the coolest jobs you’ve had.
I had the joy of working for a pizzeria in Ecuador, first as a waitress and then as a sous chef! It was amazing being able to learn so much about the craft. During the pandemic, I was also hired by a notary here in NYC and started work as a document translator. Three years later, I still have the job, and I am forever grateful for discovering it. I love formatting documents and being able to use my bilingual skills to help people with their needs. At MMC, I’ve worked as the assistant recruiter in the Biology department and as a notetaker. Both roles were fulfilling as I took joy in being able to help out whenever and however I could. -
I’m a double major in Psychology and English with a Creative Writing minor. I’m also the president of the Psychology Club, and I work for MMC’s Office of Student Life and with children at an arts studio.
Tell us about your goals and how you like to spend your time!
I’m interested in becoming a college professor down the line and maybe even writing and publishing a few books. I love to read and write and have recently been obsessed with my Switch and playing Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. Other than that, I’m usually blasting music or binge-watching a TV show. I love dogs and cats and have both: Bella and Salem, respectively. I’m a commuter student, so I spend a lot of time on the train, but those couple hours of sitting each day can be really nice.What drew you to peer mentoring?
I wanted to become a peer mentor not only because it’s good practice for being a professor and a good way to make new friends and connections but also because I would have loved to have had my own mentor when transitioning into college. Through Psychology Club, I was so lucky to have found a peer who mentored me my sophomore year, and it made a world of difference. I became more confident and gained a lot of experience and connections at school through that one association and friendship. Through this program, I would have the opportunity to that that guiding friend for someone else in such a big city like New York.
