During a recent Workplace Mentoring program session, mentors from St. Jude Medical Center and mentees from Anaheim High School visited Chapman University to explore the unlimited possibilities college life has to offer.

Through the program, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides local corporations like St. Jude the opportunity for its employees to mentor students from a local high school by guiding them in their post-high school graduation college and career options. 

During the visit, students asked questions about college life, toured inside department buildings and learned about campus clubs and study abroad opportunities with the help of tour guide and current Chapman student Melina Coto. Coto also provided fun facts about the college like the piece of the Berlin Wall located in Chapman’s Liberty Plaza and campus appearances on the TV show “Parks and Recreation” and the movie “Accepted.”

Lori, a clinical lab scientist for St. Jude, and Lorena, a junior at Anaheim High School, found the tour to be incredibly insightful. Lorena, who aspires to be a math teacher, has been able to visit countless campuses through the program.

“I get to see what all my options are and that’s great!” -Lorena, a junior at Anaheim High School

Lori also appreciates the program’s ability to give Lorena a glimpse into what kind of colleges best fit her aspirations. “I think it’s really good for [students] to have an idea what they’re going to get into. … Some campuses have a different feel to them so I’m glad [Lorena] has a chance to see it,” Lori said.

As a mentor in the program, Lori has enjoyed being there for Lorena and learning about her passion for math. “I just want to keep inspiring her to do well so she can do well all her life,” Lori said. 

– Written by Karol Perdomo