The Peer Assistants provide an “invaluable” resource to the Gustavus community
By now, many students have probably noticed the Peer Assistants’ monthly edition of ‘Once Upon a Potty,’ but perhaps few have realized what a great resource the PA program is for students.
Unlike other student groups that focus on the community beyond Gustavus, the Peer Assistants work strictly to identify student needs. As peer educators, they coordinate ideas and put together informational programs based on issues facing the Gustavus community such as alcohol/drugs, relationships, sexuality and time management.
Although the Peer Assistants are familiar with a variety of tough issues, their main goal is to promote healthy lifestyles. “PAs don’t just deal with problems,” said Senior Communication Studies Major Ali Chorley. “Wellness is a very positive thing, and so much of what we do encompasses wellness and well-being.”
Becoming a PA requires training for a number of issues that one might encounter with the job, and takes place before the commencement of the academic year.
The PAs’ education on these issues continues throughout the year by way of lectures and conferences, including the BACCHUS National Peer Educator Conference.
One of the greatest challenges that PAs face is finding a balance between academic life and the Peer Assistant program. “There is a lot of time and energy that needs to be put into this program and we are all very busy students. Balancing is always a challenge,” said Junior Communication Studies Major Kristin Mummert.
The Peer Assistants sponsor at least one activity on a daily basis, and may have several events planned throughout a given week. Last week the PAs promoted “Mind Your Health” week, which included an informational table and a spa night in the PA office. They were also one of the campus organizations featuring guest speaker Ross Szabo, who spoke this week about depression and suicide.
Current PAs feel that their experience as a PA has been invaluable. “This group is dynamic—we are not only here to help other students. We are also here to make connections, be a friend and be someone to laugh with,” said Mummert.
The Peer Assistant office is located in the lower level of the Campus Center and office hours are from 6-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday nights.
Throughout the day there is usually at least one Peer Assistant in the office, and students are encouraged to drop by anytime. “Don’t be afraid to approach the office and just say hi. Everyone is super friendly,” said First-year and new Peer Assistant Sam Grace.
The current Peer Assistants are Alicia Blomquist, Kristin Mummert, Ali Chorley, Dana Friedline, Katie LeBlanc, Adam Strand, Ross Elenkiwich, Gretchen Libbey, Shane Jensen, Luke Garrison, Jen Syverson, Jon Kidd, Erin Fredrick and Steph Lewis.
Next year’s Peer Assistants are Chaz Brown, Christopher Hall, Rachel Schmitt, Kiersten Supina, Kyle Hunt, Ally Pelton, Kristin Brown, Susie Kramer, Sam Grace and Wes Jones.
Editor’s Note: Ally Pelton is Variety editor of THE GUSTAVIAN WEEKLY
Photo by: Alex Stassen