When I was an incoming freshman I had so many nerves about what college was going to be like and how I was ever going to succeed at such a prestigious academic college. Because of my time as a WLAIP student, I believe I was very heavily prepared to take advantage of not only the challenges of Wabash, but also the opportunities. I was able to understand and begin to think more critically while also immersing myself in the Wabash culture in a way I never imagined myself doing. It it because of my own experience in the program that I applied to be a WLAIP mentor. When I was in the program, I found myself becoming more immersed because of the help of my mentors and tutors. It wasn’t just a professor or other adult telling me to do
this, or think like that. It was Mark Magnon ‘ 23 playing XBox with me and Willy Shepler ’23 working out with me and AJ hooping with us where I began to understand what it meant to be a Wabash man. That is why I signed up for the job. To help others learn what I learned so that they might succeed here at Wabash.
This years WLAIP class was made up of some impressive young men. Boys from all over the country and from countless different backgrounds. I would ponder about how to approach them and how I would get to know them and make a lasting connection like my mentors did with me. I did much to give them a better idea and understanding of Wabash. I would answer their questions about fraternity life versus independent life, Sparks food, sports, school and anything in between. However, as much as I tried to get them to learn from me, I learned just as much if not more about myself. I learned how to talk to people with different interests and personalities, how to get certain groups of guys to work together and enjoy each others company, I learned how to be a more effective leader. I worked closely with Dr. K and coach Jesse to communicate their goals with the boys in the program, teaching me how to handle greater responsibilities and
problem solving skills. This internship taught me so much and brought forward an experience I am glad to have taken apart in.
