SOAR
Team of young adult mentors excels at welcoming fellow students
CONWAY, Ark. (August 25,
2023) — The reflection below was written by Christy Coker, director of
student outreach services, who serves as advisor to the SOAR Team.
In an inspiring tale of
camaraderie and support, a group of young adults at Hendrix College has taken
the concept of mentorship to a new level, forming an unbreakable bond that goes
beyond academics. What started as a student organization has evolved into a
tight-knit family, proving that a shared vision and genuine care can create
lasting relationships that transcend the confines of an educational
institution. Student Outreach Alternative Resources, or SOAR, transcends the
mentoring norm, focusing not on academics, but on all subjects non-academic in
personal, social, and community realms.
The journey of this
unique mentor team program began in January of 2013 when a group of college
students united under a common goal: to provide guidance and mentorship to
their peers who were struggling with various aspects of life. Initially, their
focus was on social support, helping fellow students navigate connecting with
people in the community. However, as they spent more time together, they
realized that their impact could extend far beyond the classroom. Their goal
became to provide support “unto the whole person,” a motto well-known by those
at Hendrix.
“We were there for each
other during both triumphs and challenges, celebrating not only our academic
successes but also supporting one another through personal hardships,” said
SOAR Team member Alicia McCloria ’24. “The trust and companionship we developed
were unlike anything I’d experienced before.”
Over time, the mentor
team expanded its activities to encompass a wider range of areas, including
emotional well-being, physical care, and even social events and hobbies. This
shift from purely social mentorship to holistic support was a natural evolution
driven by the deep connections the members had forged. Certifications acquired
by each individual team member now include Basic Mentoring, Mental Health First
Aid, Title IX Awareness, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST),
Safe Zone, Substance Addiction & Abuse, Emotional Intelligence (Adulting
101), Campus Safety, and Becoming a Proactive Bystander. In 2023, Narcan
Administration, Personal Self-Defense, and Situational Problem-Solving through
a ropes course were added to the training agenda. This team arrives two weeks
before classes start for the sessions needed to equip them with these skill sets.
“We realized that being a
mentor goes beyond just sharing knowledge; it’s about being a source of
comfort, motivation, and inspiration,” said Marah Rice ’24, another member of
the team. “We became more than just co-mentors – we became friends, confidantes,
and ultimately, a family.”
As word spread about the
transformative impact of the mentor team, more students sought their guidance,
leading to the creation of a structured mentorship program that incorporated
workshops, events, and peer-to-peer interactions. Despite the growth in
numbers, the team remained true to their original ethos of fostering personal
connections and understanding. Whether it is providing meals, hosting
alternative events, providing supportive programs, or more, SOAR wants everyone
on the Hendrix campus to feel like they have a place or group where they
belong. Inclusion and diversity are SOAR’s hallmarks.
“We were intentional
about keeping the group size manageable to ensure that each member received the
attention and care they deserved,” said Ben Ault ’14, who played a pivotal role
in shaping the mentorship program. “Our focus was on quality over quantity.”
The influence of the
mentor family has extended far beyond the campus, as they have continued to
support each other even after graduating. From celebrating milestones to
offering a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, the bonds they’ve
created have transcended geographical barriers. In fact, three couples who have
met through SOAR have now married, with SOAR advisor Christy Coker officiating the
most recent wedding.
In an era where virtual
connections often dominate, SOAR’s commitment to in-person interactions stands
out. Regular meetups, retreats, and social gatherings have kept their
relationships strong and vibrant.
As the mentor family
enters a new phase with the onset of a new academic year, they remain committed
to their core values of empathy, compassion, and unwavering support. Their
story serves as a testament to the potential for meaningful connections to form
even in the most unlikely of places, reminding us of all that we have the power
to create our own chosen families.
In a world that can
sometimes feel disconnected, the SOAR mentor family stands as an example of the
profound impact that genuine care and human connection can have, proving that
sometimes, the most valuable lessons are taught not in the classroom, but in
the bonds we forge with one another.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That
Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and
celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement
that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity,
inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires
students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College
Statement of Purpose