BACES

Since its inception, BACES aimed to foster mentoring relationships that benefitted both Stonehill alumni and students.  With the start of any new program, there were hiccups and challenges along the way, but there were also success stories.  Highlighted here is the successful grouping of alum mentor, Danielle Medina ’05, with her mentees, current students, Melanie Barbosa ’23, and Jaelynn Rodney ’24. 

Danielle was drawn to the BACES program because as a student there were very few students of color in her class, and it was difficult for her to feel as though she belonged.  She recalls that it took “time to navigate the new landscape.”  Attributing her success at Stonehill to her upperclass friends who she calls her informal mentors, she wanted to “be that person for a current student.”  And through BACES, she has become that person for her mentees, Melanie and Jaelynn.

Melanie was looking for someone who “knew what life was like after college” to help guide her along her path and sought out this opportunity in BACES.  During covid, she was a remote student who was simply going through the motions, but her relationship with Danielle helped ground her.  Melanie’s unique position as a mentee while also mentoring a first-year student gave her a sense of purpose.  She states that her relationship with Jaelynn is an amazing one and they have become close friends.

As an incoming first-year student to Stonehill, Jaelynn was looking for someone to “help and be a guide through this new transition in life.”  She describes her relationships with her mentors as an open and trusting one where she never feels judged, which allows her to pose questions and have conversations.

All three of our participants noted that they struggled to maintain a connection because the pandemic kept their relationship from meeting in person.  However, when they do connect, it’s as if they never left off.  They look forward to participating in BACES again this year which seeks to provide more in person opportunities to connect through social events and programs.  As BACES gears up for the new year, alum and students are invited to join the program.  As Melanie states, “it’s a very beneficial program to, not only students, but also alumni because they have the opportunity to reflect upon their time at Stonehill and then pass on that valuable knowledge to a student who may be in need of that guidance.”

If you are interested in joining the BACES Mentorship program as an alum mentor or student mentee, please fill out the appropriate interest form.

Alum Mentor

Student Mentee

As a BACES Alumni Mentor you’ll:

• Be paired with a student mentee based on your shared interests
• Share your knowledge and experiences with your mentee(s) and provide them with guidance as they navigate college and prepare for life after Stonehill
• Meet other amazing Stonehill students and alumni
• Have an opportunity to facilitate and/or attend engaging workshops, socials and more 

If you are interested in joining the BACES Mentorship program as an alum mentor, please fill out the interest form.

Alum Mentor

As a BACES Student Mentee you’ll:

• Be paired with an alumni of color mentor based on your shared interests
• Get advice and support about navigating the Stonehill college experience
• Meet other amazing Stonehill students
• Network with amazing alumni of color from a variety of different fields and experiences
• Learn about useful campus resources available to you as a student
• Gain valuable academic, leadership, professional and life skills that will serve you at Stonehill & beyond
• Attend engaging workshops, socials and more 

If you are interested in joining the BACES Mentorship program as a current student, please fill out the interest form.

Student Mentee