1. What were your motives for helping this person?
I assisted an undergraduate student at Boston University. I will refer to her as CC. My motives were to help her explore her options for a summer internship during COVID because I thought I could help and she was in a bind.
2. Did you benefit from this relationship in any way? How?
I asked her to share notes with me on the guidance I provided that she found most valuable. Then I used some of that content for a product I created on my website on how to prepare for informational interviews. So, by advising her and collecting written feedback from her, I was able to use her perspective to put together a material that can help more people. At some point, I may have some purchases of the product, but not yet. Still, it was a useful exercise for me to create the guide because it gives me something I can direct people to who are seeking guidance on how to approach informational interviews. So, I benefit from saved time and potential sales.
3. What was your role in the helping relationship? In what way do you think you helped this person? Looking back, is there anything that you might have done differently?
I listened to her and I shared some tips, resources, and suggestions for specific individuals she might want to connect with. I could have done more active listening and asked more questions instead of doled out so much advice.
4. Was there anything that this person did, said, or believed that you did not agree with? How did you react? No.
5. Did you learn anything from this relationship?
Yes. I have continued to be in contact with the student, checking in with her every so often and sharing resources that could be helpful to her (such as a volunteer newsletter for an organization where she told me she would like to intern next semester) and she has expressed to me her appreciation for my support. So, I have learned that my assistance to her, starting in the spring and continuing to present day, has had a positive impact on her.