Meet a Mentor: Andrea Olson

High School: Turlock High School, Turlock, CA
College: University of California, Berkeley
What are you up to? District Representative for Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (AD-15)

What does it mean to you to be a mentor?

Being a mentor is like being a big sister all over again. I have the amazing opportunity to talk about what high school and college were like for me, and hope that my “little sis” can learn something from it! I am so delighted to be able to help someone down the exciting path of preparing for college, choosing a school, and eventually going to college.

What do you wish you had known about college when you were in high school?

I wish I had known how cool it is to be me. Having confidence in yourself is crucial to achieving your dreams. Everyone is drawn to confidence-potential employers, potential partners, even potential colleges! Every person-every high school student-has his or her own uniqueness. Whether you play on an ultimate frisbee team or are the oldest child in a big family or know the words to every Billy Joel song-you are incredibly cool! People need to be reminded of their coolness. So READ THIS: You are cool and awesome and amazing and unique!

Why did you want to get involved in this program?

An electronic platform is perfect for mentoring and being mentored. There isn’t a huge commitment on the part of a student who already has school, extra-curricular, and social committments. Plus, since both the mentors and mentees are part of the tech-savvy generation, we understand the ease of casual e-communication that is effective, helpful, comfortable and fun!