Interpersonal relations really form the glue that binds a classroom environment together. As a mentor your goal is to form a solid relationship with your students so that they are comfortable with you and you can effectively help them to explore the field that you are so knowledgeable about. Positive relationships also spill into effective Classroom Management philosophies centered on trust and communication.

One of the best things you can do when beginning to work with students, is form a personal connection. To do this it is important to be prepared to share and talk about yourself.

Your role in the classroom is vital to the long term success of the projects the students are working on. You are providing a vital service in exposing these students to the myriad of possibilities for careers in STEM fields. Many students may not even be considering going into STEM, or they may not have begun to form any plans for future careers. You can provide information and guidance that is unique to you and your experiences.

There can be no underestimating the potential influence that you can have as a mentor to these students. You have the chance to be a positive role model, and role models matter.

Listen to what some students have had to say about the effect that positive role models had on them.