Peer Mentor SDG Challenge Winners

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

This year, we challenged our Peer Mentors and their mentee groups to develop a proposal for Newcastle University to implement which will help us get closer to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The SDG Challenge was a perfect opportunity for new students to understand and familiarise themselves with their new place of study while building relationships with their peers. We were delighted to be joined once again by Dutch partners, Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University, whose students addressed the same challenge question in the context of their own University setting.

Creating a sustainable world is so important to us, so we're really proud of our two winning groups, mentored by Jacob Hamilton and Caitlin Donohoe, who won first and third place respectively in the competition.

We asked our winners all about the challenge and what it’s like to be a Peer Mentor…

Jacob Hamilton – Master of Dietetics, Stage 2

Why did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?

Whilst I was in first year my Peer Mentor was amazing. It was super helpful to have a second year student to go to for any advice or questions. I wanted to return the favour by being a Peer Mentor in my second year and helping new starters settle in.

Why did you decide to take part in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge?

The challenge provided a chance for us to work towards something we’re all passionate about, whilst also contributing towards solving a major global problem. For these reasons, it felt more like an opportunity than a challenge. As we’re all dietetics and nutrition students we have shared interests including student eating behaviours, sustainable diets, food psychology and marketing. We quickly generated a few ideas revolving around these interests – and the rest is history.

What was it like being shortlisted for and winning a prize in the Peer Mentoring Induction Week Challenge?

It was amazing news. Our team worked so hard on the presentation and everyone contributed such great ideas. It was fantastic to see everybody’s hard work get the recognition it deserved!

How does it feel knowing that your ideas may be implemented across the University?

Incredibly exciting. If our idea is implemented effectively, the magnitude of the potential positive impact on the environment is immense. And not only may the health of the planet improve, but also the health of thousands of students for years to come! It’s exciting to say the least.

Caitlin Donohoe – Master of Dietetics, Stage 2

Did the challenge help to break the ice between you and your mentees?

Yes, the challenge was a great opportunity to break the ice between myself and my mentees, but also amongst themselves, as many of them had not met one another before. It was nice to see relationships develop and while we worked hard on the project, we all had a laugh together and enjoyed ourselves.

How did you and you group come up with the idea/s for your entry to the competition?

We tried to focus on topical, on-trend problems and prioritised finding a realistic solution, that could be scaled up, over a farfetched one.

What transferable skills have you developed as a result of being a Peer Mentor and taking part in the challenge?

Throughout the project and as my wider role as a Peer Mentor, I have developed my teamworking, communication and leadership skills, through leading group discussions, delegating tasks and bringing the team together. I also improved my organisation skills, by planning and coordinating meetings, and presentation skills when pitching our idea to the judging panel and audience.

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

I’d say go for it! The idea of being responsible for a group of students may be nerve-wracking at first but becoming a Peer Mentor is such a rewarding experience and is also hugely beneficial for your own personal development.

Find out more about Peer Mentoring