[ImMoMo]

Hey,

I'm in the same boat as you are. I just recently finished my first semester at college, and I too had a leading role during my student involvement. Since I decided to stay local for college, the cries of FIRST were too strong, so I decided to mentor.

So a few things:

1. It is very tempting to do the work students do, when I find myself doing more then offering advice or demonstrating something... I immediately ask the students if I'm being over bearing.

2. From past experience, our team has a history of alumni returning to help out... this happened my senior year... and the graduates were way too overbearing in my opinion. So I use this as an emphasis not to become over involved.

3. I sometimes don't think of myself as a "full mentor" nor should I, I don't have all the technical skill real engineers have so, I try my best to offer critical advice... but when an established mentor suggests an alternative I believe their experience and talent carry more weight.

Currently, there is no one on my team that knows CAD, so I took it upon myself to teach CAD to students in forms of large group lessons. So far I believe it is a good balance of being involved and holding a non student position... a junior mentor if you will..

Also as the above poster mentioned, there should be a divide between yourself and students... as you are now expected to act as a role model.

I wish you luck next season, I hope you can stay sane w/ school and mentoring... and trying not become overbearing... but I think you'll do great...

- Mo