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Yee

Medicine and Surgey MB BS

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I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I wished to gain new experiences and develop skills that might be useful to me in my medical journey.

Being a Peer Mentor

I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I was inspired by my own Peer Mentor to guide and help new students through their transition from school into university by sharing my own experience and knowledge with them. I also decided to become a Peer Mentor because I wished to gain new experiences and develop skills that might be useful to me in my medical journey, such as communication and leadership skills.

A Peer Mentor is someone who supports others through the first year by lending a helping hand and being a good listener. To become a Peer Mentor I had to complete training. I was then required to write a welcome letter to my mentees before the start of the academic year to introduce myself and give them a chance to ask me any questions. During the first semester I organised meetings with my mentees, where I shared my own experiences as a medical student and could give them study tips which I had found useful in my first year. I checked on my mentees frequently, allowed them to ask me questions and signposted them to the support that is available at university.

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

As a Peer Mentor I was given the opportunity to develop many transferable skills, which will be very useful in my medical career. These include effective time management, communication, leadership and active listening skills. Effective communication was crucial in strengthening my relationship with my mentees. During meetings, I had to take the lead and initiate conversations as sometimes my mentees were too shy. Taking the lead and sharing my experiences made my mentees more willing to ask questions and share their thoughts and my active listening skills were also developed as a result. I also had to learn how to manage my time and find a balance between my studies, my social activities and my duties as a Peer Mentor.

Winning Peer Mentor of the Year was overwhelming and exciting as it was so unexpected. Being nominated by my mentees acknowledges the work I put into the role and in helping others and I am really grateful for what I have gained from the experience. Being a Peer Mentor is a great opportunity to develop transferable skills and form bonds with other students. If you are thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor, make sure you are ready to share your experience and insights with others and be responsible!