Kirsty
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Being a Peer Mentor has boosted my confidence in making to connections with people I have previously never met, let alone had a conversation with - a skill that has benefitted me in multiple interviews this year!
Being a Peer Mentor
I decided to become a Peer Mentor for the last two years as I know how daunting it is to not only live 200 miles away from home but know absolutely nobody in a brand new city starting something new with doubts that I wouldn’t achieve everything I have done so far. In first year, I didn’t have anybody I could talk to about how I was feeling or even ask advice about the course so I wanted to be that person that people felt comfortable talking to about anything.
As a Peer Mentor, my responsibility is to make sure new students are settling in well and that any concerns, worries or questions they may have can be answered without judgement. I’m not only an extra friend, I’m also someone who has nearly finished the university experience and has knowledge around academia. Something many first-year students appreciate the help with. From a Peer Mentor, a mentee can expect kindness and understanding as well as any information they may require. Peer Mentors will always go above and beyond to help.
Benefits of being a Peer Mentor
Being a Peer Mentor has boosted my confidence in making to connections with people I have previously never met, let alone had a conversation with - a skill that has benefitted me in multiple interviews this year! My communication skills have also developed further due to learning and understanding that no one person’s experience is the same.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor, I’d say bite the bullet and apply. The work you do is so rewarding and even if you’re struggling yourself, there is someone there to help you too.