We’re so proud of the work our Peer Mentors have done this year to help our new students feel at home.
This year, the Peer Mentoring programme was a little different, as Mentors have had to meet and guide their Mentees online. To help break the ice and make the process easier, we challenged our Peer Mentors and their Mentee groups to develop a strategy to raise awareness of one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to other students on their degree programme.
Creating a sustainable world is so important to us, so we're really proud of our three winning groups, mentored by Tharika Gunasekaran, Wyome Frankle, and Maia Ellis.
We asked our winners all about the challenge and what it’s like to be a Peer Mentor…
1st Place - Tharika Gunasekaran
Why did you decide to take part in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge?
I thought taking part in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge was a great ice breaker to get to know my mentees. I also just knew that I had to take part in it, given my enthusiasm and passion towards social causes and sustainability. I think I really wanted to challenge myself and see if I could do more than just trying to live a more sustainable life, perhaps even motivate a few people along the way.
What was it like being shortlisted for and winning a prize in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge?
Being shortlisted for the challenge was so exciting to hear and when we won the challenge, I was beyond happy and felt so proud of my team and I. Winning the challenge personally has made me want to do more towards social causes (i.e. volunteering) and the UN SDGs and it is something I want to continue doing in the future. Furthermore, the support and recognition I have got since winning the challenge has been exciting and inspiring.
What transferrable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor and taking part in the challenge?
As a result of being a Peer Mentor and having taken part in the challenge, it has not only enhanced my communication, team-working and creativity skills, but has also given me the chance to develop problem-solving, listening and leadership skills. I know for a fact that these skills will allow me to reach great heights in the future, as well as achieve professional and personal successes in the long run.
2nd Place - Wyome Frankle
Why did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?
Coming into my final year at University, I wanted to be involved in a volunteer project that involved connecting with students and making new friends. Having had a rough start at University myself in my first year, I didn’t have to think much about becoming a Peer Mentor – I wanted to positively impact other first year students’ experience and ensure they felt supported and mentored.
Why did you decide to take part in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge?
Having first learnt about the challenge, I was immediately drawn into the idea of making actual change on campus, specifically surrounding the issue of inclusivity – something that is very important to me. Not only did I think the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow mentees would be a great way to get to know them, but I was even more so excited to explore my own subconscious bias and educate and challenge myself in ways I could be more inclusive too (and even develop my own education surrounding the UN’s sustainable development goals)
What transferrable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor and taking part in the challenge?
I have definitely developed a lot more of my soft skills. Specifically my collaboration skills and ability to communicate more clearly and effectively. I think I’ve also developed more spectrum thinking, alongside just general knowledge of current issues that the UN’s sustainable development goals are trying to address. These will all undoubtedly transfer well into the workplace when I graduate, making me even better at working on big projects and communicating ideas effectively.
3rd Place - Maia Ellis
Did the challenge help to break the ice between you and your mentees?
The challenge not only helped to break the ice between my mentees and I, but also between each other. It also helped break the ice for my mentees into what University life expected of them academically, by introducing concepts such as referencing and analytical skills.
How does it feel knowing that your ideas may be implemented across the University?
With environmental issues being a hot topic worldwide, it is extremely important to me that Newcastle University continue to implement initiatives that better their ecological footprint. Knowing I may have an impact on wider university life and its environmental footprint is incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor?
Do it! Being a Peer Mentor is incredibly fulfilling as you begin to understand different cultures and backgrounds present at Newcastle University. As well as this, you will have the chance to develop practical and professional skills through the training that you will receive.
Recruitment for new Peer Mentors is open now. You can find out more about what it's like to be a Peer Mentor and how to apply here.
