What I Learned About Growth (and Myself) as a Georgetown Pre-College Program Peer Tutor

By Alex Bonjoc (GU-Q’27).

Within my academic career at Georgetown, I have been fortunate. I have had multiple opportunities to grow, learn, fail, and succeed. However, so far, the most transformative experience I’ve had took place this summer as a Georgetown Pre-college Summer Program (GPS) Peer Tutor.
As one of the seven peer tutors chosen this year, I worked with fellow GU-Q students to ensure that the program provides not only scholastic achievement, but also space for high school students to grow and gain insight into collegiate life.

While our responsibilities as Peer Tutors varied from recording participation and taking attendance to supporting the Instructors, connecting with the students was what I took most seriously. Moments when students felt comfortable enough to share their academic and personal challenges with me stood out most, gestures that showed their comfort in me, and how I was considered more than a Peer Tutor, I was also considered a friend. Alongside the support I showed the students, I learned a great deal from my fellow tutors.

Each of us brought our own strengths. Their ways of leadership and compassion have helped shape my own. Our team succeeded not in spite of our differences, but because our unique strengths and collective dedication came together to make this year’s program a success.

All in all, this summer experience has solidified my belief in community engagement and mentorship. My time as a GPS tutor has taught me lessons of growth, leadership, and connection, all of which I will take with me throughout my life. But above all, my experience reminded me that the most meaningful part of growth happens not in solitude, but in service to others. 

If you are a student thinking about applying to GU-Q, the Georgetown Pre-College Program is a perfect opportunity for you to imagine yourself and your future at Georgetown University in Qatar. Look out for the application for the next summer session.

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