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NUMed Peer Mentor of the Year 2022
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NUMed Peer Mentor of the Year 2022

Published: 12 August 2022 | Updated: 12 August 2022 | By: Newcastle University | 3 min read
NuMed Peer Mentor of the Year 2022

We’re so proud of the work our NUMed Peer Mentors have done this year to help our new students feel welcome.

Our first-year students recently had the opportunity to nominate their Peer Mentor for the award of Peer Mentor of the Year.

We’re very proud of our five winners, Xin Lim, Wen Soo, Yee Lee, Chloe Lee and Aathira Manigandan.

Find out from our winners all about what it’s like to be a Peer Mentor...

Xin Lim

Xin Lee (1)

  •     Why did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?

I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I remembered how nervous and lost I felt before starting my university. I gained a lot of comfort from the welcome letter I received from my Peer Mentor before university started and by the experiences they shared with me. It eased my worries as I felt supported and that I was not feeling all this anxiousness alone. I benefited from the relationship and had a great experience during my first year thanks to my Peer Mentor and I hope to do the same with my mentees.

  •     What can a mentee expect from a Peer Mentor?

I think a mentee can expect to receive advice and tips from a Peer Mentor who has faced and experienced the same things they are currently coping with. 

  •     What transferable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor?

I think I have developed and enhanced several transferable skills, such as my communication skills and leadership. It was also a great opportunity to meet new people, especially during the pandemic.

Wen Soo

Wen Soo (1)

  • What do you do as a Peer Mentor?

As a Peer Mentor, I helped my mentees with questions they had about the course and signposted them to the relevant department or person for help. I shared with them my own experiences and answered their questions about various things, such as exams and assignments and gave them advice.

  • What can a mentee expect from a Peer Mentor?

Mentees can expect Peer Mentors to share their experiences of being a student. So, if you are wondering what your course is like, just ask your Peer Mentor. While they may not be able solve all your queries, they will be able to direct you to the relevant departments and people that can do so.

  • What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor?

Being a Peer Mentor requires time and commitment. It also requires the willingness to support others. However, it is rewarding experience. You don’t have to be an amazing student to become a Peer Mentor. You just need a willingness and desire to share what you have learned and your experience as a student during your time at university.

Yee Lee

Yee Lee-1

  • Why did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?
I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I was inspired by my own Peer Mentor to guide and help new students to get through their transition from school into university life by sharing my own experience and knowledge with them. I also decided to become a Peer Mentor because I wished to develop transferable skills, such as communication and leadership skills, that might be useful for my academic journey and medical career.
  • What transferable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor?
By becoming a Peer Mentor, I got a great opportunity to develop transferable skills which will be useful in my medical career, including communication skills, leadership skills, effective time management and active listening skills. It was important for me as a Peer Mentor to act as a leader, especially during conversations or meetings with my mentees as they were sometimes too shy to speak up or ask questions. Being a Peer Mentor, also made me manage my time so that I could strive for a balance between my studies and my mentoring duties.
  • What was it like being nominated for and winning Peer Mentor of the Year?

It was overwhelming and exciting as it was unexpected. It was nice to have the work I put into the role acknowledged by my mentees. I am really grateful for what I have gained from the experience of being a Peer Mentor.

Chloe Lee

Chole Lee (1)

  • What transferable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor?
I think a skill I developed along the way is creative thinking. There are many unexpected questions and concerns that may be raised from mentees. I had to gather my thoughts and different resources together to give an appropriate response to my mentees. Sometimes what we have isn’t enough and I have to think outside the box a little.
  • What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Peer Mentor?

If you feel like trying it out, why not!? I really think it’s a fun and exciting process. You will definitely have lots of fun and develop new skills throughout. I think everyone should try it out! But it’s good to keep in mind that there are certain responsibilities that we have for our mentees.

  • What was it like being nominated for and winning Peer Mentor of the Year?

I was definitely shocked and wasn’t expecting it. I’m glad my mentees nominated me and trusted me by leaning into the process and experience. I had a great experience and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Find out more about Peer Mentoring.

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