Mentees enjoy 'A Day in the Life of a College Student'
What do you get when you combine children, a beautiful sunny day, mentors and engaging activities? A very successful “A Day in the Life of a College Student” – Coastal Carolina University-style!
The seventh annual visit of students participating in the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring program was held Thursday, April 14, on the CCU campus. More than 320 children and youth from 10 elementary, seven middle and two high schools in Horry and Georgetown counties joined their 220 mentors to explore the campus and participate in a variety of activities.
Mentor award winners were announced by CCU supporter Linda Floyd. They included Jonathan Bennett, Mentor of the Year; Lori Sircable, Outstanding Long-Term Mentor; and Ellen Baltz, Outstanding New Mentor.
Kelly Muench, last year’s Mentor of the Year, and her mentee led participants in a new “pinning” ceremony. Children gave their mentors a pin that reads “I Mentor; I Make a Difference,” while the mentors pinned a blue ribbon on the children, which reads “You Make a Difference.” Head football coach David Bennett shared his message of encouragement and perseverance with students.
Middle and high school students participated in a "Virus Lab," conducted by professor Paul Richardson and his students. An exergame demonstration came from Tim Meyler, and a presentation by the SEEWEE Association was provided by Jerry Walls. CCU staffers Brianne Parker and Amanda Craddock talked about how to prepare for college.
Elementary students learned about electrical safety through the Powerline Hazard Awareness Demonstration provided by Claud Wessinger of Santee Cooper. Physical and health activities were held on Prince Lawn, organized by professors Sandra Nelson and Denise Lewis and their students.
The children also got autographs from CCU athletes, cheerleaders and Chauncey. They learned about snakes and the swamp from Leanna McMillan, CCU intern at the Playcard Environmental Education Center. In addition, children learned about Spanish culture from professor Jose-Luis Mireles and his students, and they discussed the Old Santee Canal Park, presented by CCU alumnus Brad Sale of Santee Cooper.
At the visit's end, each student selected a new book provided by the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Mentoring program.
Throughout the morning, mentors talked with children about their own experiences preparing for and attending college.
Gail Dale, assistant principal at Waccamaw Elementary School, wrote, “Many of my students have never visited a college campus. However, today many of our students went away with dreams of attending Coastal Carolina University.”
By Margene Willis, mentoring specialist, Biddle Center for Teaching, Learning & Community Engagement
