Becoming a Peer Mentor - Millie Samways
What is involved in being a Peer Mentor?
14 February 2022
What is involved in being a Peer Mentor?
I decided to become a Peer Mentor to help alleviate some of the anxiety around coming to University and to be an approachable friendly face. Everything involved in moving to University (living away from home, doing your own shopping, becoming independent etc) is overwhelming. I mainly wanted to help people through my experience and answer any questions, no matter how small or silly they seemed.
Becoming a Peer Mentor
The process of becoming a Peer Mentor was very easy. The application had questions about why you were interested in becoming a Peer Mentor. Once you were selected, you then completed some online training involving information about what is expected from you and how to get the best engagement from your mentees. It took little time and was easy to complete.
As a Peer Mentor I mainly answered question because I have experienced what the mentees are going through. I sent my mentees emails, however I personally found this too formal, so I made a WhatsApp group chat which allowed people to chat more easily and freely. I also held optional in person sessions, which were used for answering questions but also getting to know each other. Along with this, I also sent my mentees some revision resources and information on apps/textbooks/websites that were helpful. A Peer Mentor should keep in regular contact with their mentees to ensure they are engaged but to also just check in with them. Overall, I mainly acted as a friend.
Extremely worthwhile.
A Peer Mentor should be friendly and approachable to allow not only professional relationships to be established but also a personal relationship to make sure mentees feel comfortable to discuss any queries. They should also be engaging and organised by ensuring they are in regular contact with their mentees to check they aren’t having any problems. In addition, Peer Mentors should also be supportive and non-judgemental so the mentees feel they can trust them know they will help find a solution.
Being a Peer Mentor has helped me develop leadership skills, teamworking skills and organisation skills. These not only allow me to interact better with my mentees but are skills which will allow me to interact better within my career and everyday life. These transferable skills can also enhance my CV.
Being a Peer Mentor doesn’t take much time or effort from you, however it can make such a huge difference to a mentee. You already have all the knowledge needed as you have lived through the experience. It is extremely worthwhile.
Millie Samways,
Oral & Dental Health Sciences