High School/Community College Students:

• "I feel like I have a better understanding as to how college works and what the people are like. I feel like I am more ready for life as a college student. I will be able to handle it and maybe even have a little fun."
• "I get more of the inside information, not from a counselor or teacher"
• "This program has been really helpful in preparing me for college because it really helped to hear from someone who's experiencing exactly what I'll be experiencing next year.  Some of the most valuable tips and advice could only have come straight from college students themselves."
• "I now know more about the social aspects of Iowa State as well as the academic aspects"
• "I think GirLinks gave me a good sense of what to expect--it certainly calmed my nerves whenever it seemed the whole college experience was starting to get a bit overwhelming."
• "GirLinks has shown me that there is a lot a support for women in a field that was once dominated by men and it gives me more reassurance that I can succeed in whatever I wish to pursue and that I won't be alone.  That has probably helped me the most and given me the confidence I need to do my best."
• "It helps me know that there are other people out there interested in the same things I am and they let me know that I can do it."
• "My mentor really helped keep me motivated about my major because she had many of the same future goals and plans in mind. Because she was able to handle her first year with all the hard beginning classes associated with her major, I am confident that I'll be able to do the same."

Undergraduates:

• "My mentee has a much better picture of what college life is like now. Through everything we have discussed-- campus life, classes, extracurricular activities, exams-- you name it-- she will be much better prepared and far more confident now than she would have been without participating in the GirLinks program."
• "It is encouraging to have the support of successful women that we can look up to. I am glad that I have been able to show my mentee that degrees in the sciences are challenging but fun!"
• "My mentee knows that there are many opportunities for women and that there is a great support system here to help her be successful."
• "By being a mentor, I have found that my mentee has actually motivated me to work harder and not give up."
• "When my mentee would ask questions, sometimes I would have to look new things up to answer her. I found more options and opportunities not just for her, but for myself through our interactions."
• "When my mentee and I talk, I have to remember back when I was in high school and then I remember the pure reasons I wanted to choose my field of study."
• "GirLinks has made me look back on what I've accomplished since I came to ISU. I forgot how scared I was and how many little things I've picked up on since I've been here. It's made me more confident that what I've chosen to do is the right choice for me."
• "GirLinks has allowed me to have a leadership role without too many extra responsibilities. I would recommend this to any student; it's a great way to get involved!"