Finn
BA (Hons) Architecture
Being a Peer Mentor has taught me about active listening and the benefits of group reflection. I found myself in a better position to guide people in a helpful direction after the Peer Mentor training, regardless of whether they’re a mentee or not.
Being a Peer Mentor
When I came to university, it took me a long time to explore and discover my favourite parts of the city that I felt welcomed in. Through becoming a Peer Mentor, I knew I could help new students find their feet a bit faster than I did.
Alongside providing a safe space to discuss wellbeing, I have found that the mentoring system allows you to share knowledge about university life in every aspect. Especially within the school of architecture where so much knowledge is found through research, it has been great to talk to students about the subject they enjoy and help them find key resources that I had only found after a year or so.
I would hope that a mentee can find comfort in talking to someone who has recently been through the same experience and has made it out the other end. Whilst all paths are different, the university system works in strange ways every now and then. Having a student in the same position as you really helps you to work your way through the seemingly infinite waves of stuff that is available.
Benefits of being a Peer Mentor
Being a Peer Mentor has taught me about active listening and the benefits of group reflection. I found myself in a better position to guide people in a helpful direction after the Peer Mentor training, regardless of whether they’re a mentee or not.
If you’re considering the role, you’re right for it. The time commitments are minimal and there is great value gained from discussing and talking to new students and just hearing about different lives (which, through the training provided, you’re able to aid). There are times when it feels futile if people aren’t joining in or turning up, but even if you only help one person for the whole year, then it’s a job well done.