The Way Forward: Building Belonging Through the Homebase College Mentor Approach

Oranges: Growing Through Change—ASMR, Student Success, and Relationships

In Episode 210, Adam—a first-year Political Science major at SDSU and Homebase College Mentor—leads a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with middle and high school student mentees about navigating change, growth, and the transition toward college. The episode explores student success, adjusting to change, ASMR, and relationships, offering an authentic look at how younger students begin to make sense of transitions in real time. Adam and the mentees reflect on what it means to prepare for new environments, manage expectations, and build meaningful connections while staying grounded in who they are. Blending lighthearted moments with deeper reflection, the conversation touches on coping strategies—including the role of ASMR and other calming practices—as well as the complexities of friendships and relationships during periods of change and development. This episode captures the early stages of the college-going journey—highlighting growth, uncertainty, and the importance of mentorship, exposure, and community in shaping future student success.

Inside Student Success: Leadership, Mentoring, and Real Conversations

In Episode 209, Ozzy—an SDSU undergraduate student majoring in Economics, and working on campus as an ambassador, peer mentor, and Homebase College Mentor—leads an engaging and dynamic conversation with Mr. G and student mentees. Together, they explore student success, mentorship, and pop culture, creating a space where real experiences and perspectives come to life. Ozzy brings a unique lens shaped by his leadership roles on campus, offering insight into how mentorship and representation can influence students’ academic journeys and personal growth. The conversation blends practical advice with authentic dialogue, highlighting how mentorship extends beyond academics to include identity, motivation, and cultural awareness. With contributions from mentees and Mr. G, this episode captures the importance of building community, staying grounded, and navigating the college pathway with intention.

The Talk: A Homebase Campus Tour on Mentorship, Student Success, and Culture

In Episode 208, what started as a college tour at San Diego State University turns into a spontaneous and powerful podcast conversation. Hosted by Karim, an SDSU student and Homebase College Mentor, this episode features two Homebase mentees and Mr. G during their visit to campus. Set in real time, the group engages in an authentic dialogue about student success, mentorship, and pop culture, blending humor, honesty, and insight. The conversation captures what it looks like for young students to envision themselves in a college space while being guided by near-peer mentors who have recently walked that same path. Karim leads the discussion by bridging lived experience with mentorship in action—creating space for reflection, aspiration, and connection. From navigating school to staying motivated, and even unpacking cultural influences, this episode highlights the importance of representation, exposure, and community in shaping future college-going identities.This is Homebase in motion—where mentorship happens everywhere, even on a campus tour.

The Way Forward: Building Belonging Through the Homebase College Mentor Approach

In Episode 207, Dr. Ricky Pope and Auriella Pope explore The Way Forward in higher education through the lens of mentorship, belonging, and applied developmental support. Centered on the Homebase College Mentor Model, this episode brings together leading voices—Dr. Liz Buffington and Nick Martin, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, will examine how institutions can move beyond traditional student services toward more relational, proactive, and equity-driven approaches to college success. Together, the conversation unpacks how mentorship functions not just as guidance, but as a structured, intentional intervention that fosters institutional attachment, academic persistence, and holistic development—particularly for commuter students and young men of color. This episode challenges listeners to rethink what it means to support students in real time and offers a compelling vision for scalable, human-centered change in higher education. Key Topics Discussed The evolution of the Homebase College Mentor Model Mentorship as an applied developmental interventionAddressing the needs of commuter and institutionally avoidant students Building institutional attachment and belonging The role of peer mentors, graduate trainees, and faculty in wraparound careBridging academic success with mental health and social support systems Reimagining student success beyond traditional advising structures Key Takeaways Mentorship must be proactive, not reactive: Effective support meets students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally. Belonging drives persistence: Students are more likely to succeed when they feel seen, supported, and connected. Structure matters: The Homebase model demonstrates how intentional design can create scalable, high-impact interventions. Equity requires design, not intention alone: Systems must be built to reach students who are least likely to seek help.

Becoming the Mentor You Once Needed: Pathways Through GEN S 299

In this special episode, created as part of the GEN S 299 Homebase Service-Learning course, students share their journey toward becoming future helping professionals—educators, counselors, mentors, and youth advocates. The episode highlights the role of bidirectional mentorship, paid apprenticeships, and student-centered pathways in cultivating young men as emerging leaders in the helping professions. This podcast serves as a public archive documenting how undergraduate students discover their purpose and leadership potential through community engagement and relationship-centered learning. Through reflective conversations and real stories, we explore what it means to “become the mentor you once needed.”