Should college students be required to mentor younger children?

No

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by Kellye Horn

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As a college student you choose a major area of study. Something that is important to you, something you feel comfortable in, and something that you know you can succeed in. You may choose business or accounting, others may choose psychology or early childhood education. For those that choose a field that isn't anchored in the care of children, it would be unfair to force them into the role of caretaker.

While mentoring a young child may be something you feel comfortable in, it shouldn't be required for any college student. A person that chooses a career in engineering may have no desire to be an authority figure to a small child, and forcing that relationship will not only be awkward for the college student, but detrimental to the child as well. Children form bonds with the adults around them, and placing them in a situation where they may feel unwanted or uncared for will only cause feelings of low self-worth.

As for the college student, the situation will cause anxiety and stress. Some who are unprepared or unwilling participants may even show their resentment to the child in subtle ways. Body language is a very strong medium that all humans can pick up on.It is easy for many adults to forget what it's like to be a child, but it should always be kept in mind that children are faced with the same every day stresses and situations that adults are, albeit on a smaller scale. While children should be challanged, they shouldn't be placed in a situation where they are made to feel unwelcome.

If a child's mentor shrinks away or refuses to look him or her in the eye, that child is going to feel alone and unwanted. Why force this situation on any person?There may be very specific reasons that a college student may have for avoiding any situations where they are relied upon to be the person to provide emotional support for a young child. Maybe they don't feel comfortable, maybe they don;t trust themselves to provide the proper situation or conversation, or it may simply be that they were an only child and never had the opportunity to become a caregiver to a younger sibling or other child. Whatever the reason for the lifestyle choice, it is certainly one that should be respected.

If the question is should college students who are majoring in a field that directly relates to the care of children, should he be required to mentor a younger child? Then the answer is yes. But if the choice is made to avoid a career in a child-oriented field for any reason, then it is unfair to all parties involved to force that relationship.

Another thing to consider is the reason for the requirement. Why is the mentoring required? Is it to encourage volunteerism? Is it to be a part of the community? Can this be achieved in some other way that won't cause discomfort to the participants? If the mentoring is to provide a way for college students to volunteer or fulfill some requirement, then there are many other options that can be considered for thoese who do not feel comfortable as caretakers for children. The United Way is a good resource for any college student who administrator who is looking for a way to open up some options for good works.

Asking a college student to perform a good deed is easy and will likely result in enthusiasm. Why not give the opportunity for him or her to choose something they enjoy so that they can give their best? If mentoring a small child is something that he or she would prefer to do, then all the better. But forcing a good deed on someone can do nothing but create ill will for all participants, and that is unacceptable.

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