Mentoring/Alumni relations

[Brian Tajuddin]

I suppose I have to back Colin up on this one (and not
just because we roomed together for a while). I think
the students that would take full advantage of this
concept are not the ones who need the benefits. I
believe this entire string of thought started with the
attempted suicide numbers for the past years. I don't
think this would help. From things I've heard and
seen, a lot of these attempts are made by the same
people again and again. I must say that those who
would commit suicide or attempt to are not the ones
who are going to seek help unless it is forced on them
(as it usually is after an attempt). In the end, I
think there would be a reasonable number of students
who would appreciate a program like this, but I don't
think it would have the intended effect on the mental
health of the campus. Personally, I probably would not
have taken advantage of this program if I had the
chance. I also did not need it (though the weekend
depression hit me quite often). So what I'm saying is
that it's just as optional for the students and if the
alumni really would like to help the mental health of
the campus, we need to do something a little more
agressive. I don't have any ideas. I'm just throwing
the thought out there for people to think about.

bjt

--- DeAnne Dotson <akadeanne@nc.rr.com> wrote:
> Colin,
> 
> Simply put, if you don't like the idea, don't do it.
> 
> No one will be forcing any sort of relationship or
> time commitment on anybody.  At best it will give
> some students a contact outside the bubble of S&M,
> and at worst, not used.  Perhaps you never
> experienced any problems with RAs or Admin or
> teachers while you were there, but I sure did, as
> did a number of my classmates.  I would have loved
> an experienced ear to bounce my concerns off of. 
> Add to that somebody to come by and take me out to
> lunch...  what a deal!!!!
> 
> Basically I think what we are trying to do is help
> out the students directly (instead of blindly
> throwing money at the school).  It will also give us
> Alumni some current contact with the school and lots
> of warm fuzzy feelings to brag about to our friends.
>  (Just picture it:  Oppressive, blue haired Auntie
> Alumni pinching the cherub cheeks of her very own
> quaky-kneed, bespeckled S&Mer.)
>    
> While the details have not been ironed out, I am
> certain it will be OPTIONAL with varying levels of
> participation available for both sides.  
> 
> I appreciate you thoughts on the subject.  As a very
> recent graduate, you must have some ideas as to what
> us Alumns can do to help out the current students. 
> I'd love to hear them. 
> 
>  DeAnne '86
> 
>   
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Colin Dietch 
>   To: alumni@ncssm.net 
>   Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2002 2:21 AM
>   Subject: Mentoring/Alumni relations
> 
> 
> 
>   I believe that any program, regardless of the zeal
> with which it is promoted, will be met with apathy
> and a few sneering remarks at the receiving end...  
> 
>   And one must remember how extraordinarily busy
> science and mathers tend to be...
> 
>   It is wonderful that NCSSM has such an active
> Alumni community... 
> 
>   While I look forward to meeting future
> graduates...
> 
>   So pardon my negativity...
> 
>      - Colin Dietch '01
> 
> 
> 


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