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Maia

BA (Hons) Politics

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Being a Peer Mentor has allowed me to demonstrate my independence and initiative through volunteering.

Being a Peer Mentor

I applied to be a Peer Mentor as I saw it as an opportunity you couldn’t pass up as it helps you to feel better connected at university. As a Peer Mentor, I am responsible for supporting a group of new students transition to university. I encouraged my mentees to take part in an induction period competition. This competition was a great opportunity for my mentees and I to get to know each other. Taking part not only helped to break the ice between my mentees and myself, but also between each other. It also helped my mentees understand what university life expected of them academically, by introducing concepts such as referencing and analytical skills.

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

Being a Peer Mentor has allowed me to demonstrate my independence and initiative through volunteering. Through collaborative tasks such as the induction period competition, I have improved my communication, negotiation and leadership skills. We placed third in the competition and I am very proud of my mentees, but also very proud to be a part of the Politics department! Knowing our ideas may have an impact on wider university life and its environmental footprint is incredibly rewarding.

If you’re thinking about being a Peer Mentor, I say do it! Being a Peer Mentor is incredibly fulfilling as you begin to understand the different cultures and backgrounds present at Newcastle University. As well as this, you will have the chance to develop practical and professional skills through the training that you will receive.