New BADAS Mentorship Program guides students toward success at Digital Worlds

Written by: Ryan Helterhoff (MAMC ‘23)

Justin Marlin, Assistant Director of Student Services and Administration at Digital Worlds, envisioned a space where students could find guidance and mentorship to help them navigate the ups and downs of college life. That’s when he came up with the idea for the BADAS Mentorship Program.

“Launching a peer mentoring program has always been a goal of mine since I started working here at Digital Worlds,” Marlin said. “Transitioning from high school to college can often be challenging, especially at a large university like UF. Due to how the BADAS undergraduate program is structured, more experienced third- and fourth-year students offer support to help first- and second-year students develop their creative skills, positive characteristics, and discover how to make connections for a future career. At the same time, mentoring allows students to exhibit leadership, gain satisfaction from assisting others, and be exposed to new ideas and perspectives.”

Now in its second year, the program pairs freshmen and sophomores with junior and senior mentors. Mentors help their mentees throughout the year by assisting them with time management, networking, and other skills. Each pair is matched based on their shared interests, hobbies, and goals. Mentors in this DAS-focused program can share their unique experiences with their mentees to help them navigate the early stages of their degree.

Grace Riley (BADAS ’23) is the president of the mentorship program and hopes to attract more mentors and mentees as the fall semester begins.

“This past spring, we had 34 incredible members in the organization,” Riley said. “We have engaging activities and involvements planned for this fall to attract even more students.”

Bimonthly meetings will be held alongside social events, workshops, study sessions, and other activities. The program will also include field trips for members to explore everything Gainesville has to offer.

“Being a part of this organization let me meet so many amazing people, and even find some of my closest friends now that I’m here at UF.” -Kelly Beaudrot

“I felt a lot of reassurance about the curriculum of digital arts and sciences during my first semester as a mentee in the program” -Jane Nicole Apostol

“This organization allowed me to form new friendships while gaining a sense of confidence in my major and career path.” -Madison McClelland

For more information, contact Grace Riley.