This past year, Disability Support Services (DSS) introduced the R.O.A.R. peer mentoring program. R.O.A.R. – Resourceful, Optimistic, Authentic, and Receptive – provides students with a vital opportunity to connect with other students with disabilities. The first year of college can be a difficult transition for many students and R.O.A.R. helps familiarize incoming students with the variety of resources that LMU has to offer.
The program has made a profound impact on both participating mentors and mentees. Lavannya Kannan, a junior psychology major, has mentored first-year computer science and electrical engineering major Jabri Williams since last fall. For Kannan, the process of being a mentor has been incredibly rewarding.
“[Jabri] had had some struggles with a few of his goals initially,” said Kannan. “But as the weeks have progressed, it has been one of a kind to see his improvement and how well he is doing at college. Hearing about the stories he has and the ways he goes about it, it sounds like he will be successful in the future at college and beyond.”
For Williams, Kannan has served as an invaluable resource as well as a friend.
“The most impactful part of my R.O.A.R experience was receiving advice from my mentor on how to stay on top of my college registration, and study for exams,” said Williams. “In addition to that, we had great discussions on strategies for interacting with others and forming long lasting friendships. I found my conversations with my mentor to be very helpful, and I always came out with knowledge that was useful to me.”
Williams notes that it’s especially important that a resource such as R.O.A.R. exists to support students with disabilities. Through the R.O.A.R. program, students learn how to advocate for themselves and identify their personal strengths and abilities.
“As physically or invisibly disabled students it is essential for us to hear how our DSS peers are successfully maneuvering through college,” said Williams. “I would suggest this program to anyone who needs help transitioning to a college environment. The transition from high school to college is a big step, this program is fantastic for anyone needing support. Having a mentor has been really beneficial for me, just knowing I have a helping hand to reach out to at any time.”
R.O.A.R is currently recruiting for a new cohort of mentors and mentees. For more information, please visit their website.