Seven students have been selected to help fellow students more smoothly integrate into academic and social lives.
Six undergraduate students and one graduate student were named the first “Student Partners” for “The RISE To The Top!” program hosted by the Institute of Disability Studies. The program aims to facilitate peer mentoring services through its student partners.
With the assistance of the student partners, the RISE To The Top! program aims to provide a transformative experience for peer students, providing services that go beyond peer mentoring, such as employment-focused internships, participation in campus life activities and service involvement.
“I became a RISE student partner through my involvement with the Institute of Disability Studies, said B. Twilbeck, one of the student partners for RISE. “As a part of the Honors curriculum, I took a seminar course focused on the disability movement with Dr. Jerry Alliston, current interim executive director of the Institute of Disability Studies. In this class, I learned about the diversity in experiences with disability and the importance of accessibility in every facet of life,” Twilbeck said.
“As a result of the knowledge I gained from this course, I found a passion for disability rights and advocacy. In alignment with this newfound passion, I reached out to Dr. Alliston for ways to become more involved with IDS. Dr. Alliston connected me to Mrs. Danielle Parks and the RISE Program. I was able to step into my role as Student Partner for an individual with a disability immediately, as we instantly connected.
“I have been working with my student partner for two years now and I am so grateful that I was given this wonderful opportunity. They have been such a joy to call my friend, as I have been able to get to know them so well. I am excited to see where my student partner soars after this year,” said Twilbeck.
The RISE program is a 4-year inclusive non-degree certificate program that incorporates academics and employment preparation. Currently, there are 328 postsecondary programs similar to the RISE To The Top! program. RISE is also one of only two postsecondary programs in Mississippi, the other being the ACCESS program located at Mississippi State University.
According to student partner Leah Johnson, “Student partners exist to support the RISE student in having a well-rounded student experience. It’s not a tutoring program, but student partners assist with understanding syllabi, expectations, and just general student success. My student and I meet weekly, we go over the expectations in his courses and how classwork is going. We talk about opportunities for him to get involved with student organizations on campus. It’s really just a position that provides extra support and connection on campus,” Johnson said.
Johnson encouraged students to consider being a student partner.
“I think the best advice I can give is that if you’re on the fence about applying to be a student partner, just do it. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit my time to RISE, but I took the leap and I’m very glad that I did. I would also say to just be open to new connections and new experiences. Let the student lead and excel independently and be there as a friend and as a part of their support system,” said Johnson.