Wayne State University's Eye to Eye program is seeking students who've overcome challenges in the classroom to mentor middle schoolers - and those from WSU Applebaum are especially encouraged to participate.

"I know our students seek out opportunities like this," said WSU Applebaum Academic Services Officer IV Heather Sandlin, who launched the first Michigan chapter of Eye to Eye, a national mentoring program that aims to help those who learn differently. "Students who are succeeding in college despite having dyslexia or ADHD, for example, are in an ideal position to mentor younger students who may still be figuring it all out."

As the WSU Applebaum liaison for the university's Student Disabilities Services (SDS), Sandlin's passion to serve this student population led her to invest a significant amount of time on partnering with the Eye to Eye program and introducing it to Wayne State.

Students from all WSU schools and colleges are welcome to participate.

"I first learned of Eye to Eye through Cherise Frost at SDS and immediately had an interest in becoming involved," said Jamie Stanfield, a Wayne State sociology student who served as a chapter leader during the WSU program's inaugrual school year in 2021-22, when sessions were abbreviated by pandemic conditions. "I grew up with a learning difference and it was hard, so helping children who have learning differences is important to me. Being part of Eye to Eye was an excellent opportunity, since I want to continue to work with children in the future. Being a chapter leader taught me that it's okay to talk about your learning differences."

Stanfield worked with University Prep counselor Michele Heath, who said, "Even though Eye to Eye was only available to us for a short time due to our virtual classes, students came to expect and appreciate the interaction with the mentors. It's an incredible experience to be able to relate to an adult with like challenges as a part of their educational experience."

If you're interested in being an Eye to Eye chapter leader or mentor during the 2022-23 academic year, please send an email to hsandlin@wayne.edu by the end of July for consideration.