What is a Peer Mentor?

Recently, I graduated from the Gallaudet University Peer Mentoring Certification Program, along with 5 other classmates.  At the ceremony, we were asked to say a few words, and I read a definition of what I think a Peer Mentor is, and I thought I would share it with you here.

“A peer mentor is a person who has walked a particular path with regard to the unique challenge of hearing loss and found his or her way.   The peer mentor has confronted their own hearing loss, defined the challenge, and set out to live life to the fullest capacity despite the challenge.  The hearing loss does not define this person, but rather has given this person a peculiar skillset, which enables him or her to adapt, cope, thrive, survive and achieve satisfaction in life.  After the peer mentor has achieved this state of assimilation, acceptance and understanding; he or she decides to help others who are further behind them on the path.  They understand the concept of empathy, which is not feeling sorry for another, but rather feeling for another because he or she has felt those same feelings themselves.  Peer Mentoring involves the concept of ‘paying it forward’ which means that no one need be left behind.” 

Joan Haber

Peer Mentor

June 26, 2012