Yasmin

Being a Peer Mentor

In my first year of university, I met many international students which opened my eyes to their struggles. Home students have the privilege of going home for a weekend or two when they feel homesick, However, this is not the case for international students. Though I myself am a home student, I shared similar struggles with them as I moved to the United Kingdom in 2019. Therefore, my main aim was to be the support system international students, and some home students, lack. Community and support systems make all the difference when students are adjusting to a new environment.

I would describe the focus of the Peer Mentor role to be connection. You need to connect with students to successfully create a safe and comfortable environment for them to seek and trust your guidance and support. Through regular meetings and conversations, you build relationships with the mentees and work on providing them with personalised academic and social guidance so they can navigate university with ease. Initially, the work lies on the Peer Mentor to instigate and schedule meetings as students are reserved and fear asking questions. However, by being an empathetic listener, you eventually create an environment where they seek your time and support.

Mentees can expect empathy and enthusiasm. Peer Mentors volunteer to become mentors, hence why they truly care about their mentees’ wellbeing. When mentees need a listening ear, mentors listen. When they feel lost and need guidance, mentors will provide their knowledge and speak to other staff when needed. Mentees can expect both academic and social advice. It’s important for mentees to remember that it is highly likely that their mentor has navigated whatever difficult circumstance they are going through and why they are not judgemental at all.