Princess Flomo (she/her) is a student at Augsburg College studying Elementary Education and plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher working with students in second grade or younger. When she was young, Princess loved playing with her little cousins and this grew to a passion for working with kids and helping them develop into their own identities. Princess says,
"Being able to positively influence young minds and assist them in acquiring the skills necessary for success in life is very fulfilling."
Princess has been mentoring with the Girls Getting Ahead in Leadership (GGAL) program since September 2023. Read more about her experience as a mentor below!
Q: How were you introduced to WISE?
I am in a program at my university called The Bonner Community Leaders Program. In the program we commit to doing civic and community based work. I noticed WISE and the GGAL program and was immediately attracted to it. As a first generation daughter, I did not have a program that was dedicated to helping you prepare for college and I know first hand how frustrating it is to navigate everything by yourself. Every girl should have the opportunity to realize her full potential and pursue higher education, in my opinion, and I am committed to giving the next generation of young women the resources and empowerment they need to succeed.
Q: What are your personal or professional goals as a WISE mentor or intern?
A personal goal I had for myself as a WISE mentor was enhancing my communication skills. I want to be able to create safe and non-judgmental space for the girls to able to express their feelings, concerns and thoughts. Let them know they can be their authentic self and vulnerable.
"I want to be able to create safe and non-judgmental space for the girls to able to express their feelings, concerns and thoughts."
Q: What did you learn or take away from your experience with WISE?
What I took away from my experience with WISE is all the connections I was able to make. Building a relationship with the girls, the other mentors and the staff at WISE. I enjoyed being able to connect with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Q: Did you experience any challenges during your mentorship or internship? What were they and how did you overcome the situation, if applicable?
The only challenges I experienced during my mentorship would be coming up with workshops ideas for the girls. Thankfully, I received a lot of help and support from my program manager who was able to help guide me and give me the resources I needed to make my ideas come to life.
Q: Please share a memory or experience that was significant to you during your mentorship/internship.
A memory or experience that was significant to me during my mentorship at GGAL was when we just get to sit and chit chat and gossip about what is going on in their personal lives. I love that they feel comfortable enough to confide in me and share anything with me, it creates a deep sense of trust and connection between me and the girls.