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Rong

Medicine and Surgery MB BS

For me, the best reward has been getting to know my amazing mentees. We’ve got through the year together, we’ve created memories and we'll continue to see each other in the future. My second year would not have been so lively without them!

Being a Peer Mentor

A year ago, I was lucky enough to get a very helpful Peer Mentor when I was still a fresher. The way she guided me, and her other mentees, played an important part in my decision to be a Peer Mentor. There are many occasions in our life that help us grow, and I think this was a not-to-be-missed opportunity for me to meet more amazing people at my university.

A Peer Mentor will guide new students through their first year and share their experiences of their own first year at university. The details might not always be applicable, but it will give new students an idea of what to expect.  As a Peer Mentor, I created an online group so that my mentees could get to know each other before the academic year started and they arrived on campus. During the first semester, I offered them a helping hand and gave them advice on assignments, revision tips, information about clubs and social activities on campus and even where to grab a good cup of coffee! We also shared some interesting ‘facts’ about the school and people that we met there!

Benefits of being a Peer Mentor

As the Peer Mentor, I knew I had to be the first person to break the ice between my mentees and overcome the initial awkwardness among the group. As a result, I have become more confident when it comes to communication. Time management is another transferable skill I have developed as I feel I learned how to achieve a work-life balance. Even though my second year was packed with studies, I frequently engaged with my mentees and was able to build a connection with their friends too. Widening my social circle was something unexpected, but something that I really appreciate.

I won Peer Mentor of the Year during my time in the role. This was something I was not expecting at all and was very surprised when my name was announced. For me, the best reward has been getting to know my amazing mentees. We’ve got through the year together, we’ve created memories, and we'll surely continue to see each other in the future. My second year would not have been so lively without them!

If you are currently thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor, do not hesitate and seize your chance now! Do not be afraid as there will be lots of help and support from your Staff Coordinators and the university to guide you along the way.