Sharing Nugget #37

#37: Peer Helping is not just about helping!

A few fews ago, in my MGMT journal 2, I shared my encounter with my 'clients'.

To recall, I asked, “if you have to make one resolution this term, what will it be?” One answered, “To spend more memorable times with friends I cherish”. The other said, “To make this term even more meaningful than the summer”.

Well, I kind of did my part. They are now in the same CCA as mine, and we had a meaningful time together as friends. Also, I am helping the 2 of them in a project to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. I helped them designed the posters and they were proud of it. In this sense, although I joined in the project because of both interest and involvement in CCA, their resolutions are being realized to a certain extent by me being there. (I hope!)

Upon reflection with the encounters with my clients, I learned that ‘help’ comes in many ways. I though it was a tall order to help fulfill their resolutions. But I discovered that it could be done. Also, I think it did well to my own mental and social health when helping these friends. Peer helping is healthy!

But on the other hand, these few weeks had been very hectic for me. I am neck deep in work, and can hardly breathe. In this time, there were a few friends who approached me to talk about their troubles. I attended to them, but kept it brief. (They were small issues anyway).

There was one case which was more serious. This year 1 SS girl wanted to meet up with me to talk about “something”. I found out it was quite urgent. However, it was a bad time for me as I had a difficult midterms the next day. But I remember the class where we learned about MSN helping. I probed more and tell her to share with me briefly. I made a decision to tell her honestly about my situation but I wanted to help her. It was a good move. She shared, (about her wanting to change school because of stress, desire for another course and lack of knowledge of what SS can offer), and I helped her see more. I also referred her to a prof who will be able to help her more in terms of academic advise.

She was grateful. Still, I apologise for not being able to meet her. I made an appointment with her after she talked to the prof.

I learned that sometimes, we might be very stretched, but we can still do something to help – however small it is. These few weeks really opened my eyes to peer helping and lose the stigma I have on it. That said, back to my assignments! Haiz. (I need to look for a peer helper to help me!)


This is a journal entry for my MGMT course.