From a mentees perspective of being mentored

The following blog was written by one of our undergraduates from the Health and Social Science Faculty (HSS) on her experience as a mentee in the programme so far. 

When the opportunity of having a mentor presented itself I took full advantage of the prospect. I was assigned to my first mentor in November/December who was lovely but unfortunately there seemed to be barriers to getting together on a regular basis. I lead a very busy life and our timetables just did not seem to be compatible.

I met my second mentor in early February and we hit it off immediately. We went through the pack and worked out my strengths and weakness and a timetable that suited both of us when we could meet weekly. I think regular meetings, if possible are important to keep the continuity going and I have come to the conclusion that I need this. My mentor soon got the measure of me! She could see what I needed and I was very honest of my expectations of myself, what I struggled with and needed guidance on. You have to be realistic in your expectations of both yourself and your mentor for this union to work.

In our first sessions she shared with me the fundamentals of getting a good grade and what I had to do to achieve this. Organisation is the key to success and this is something my mentor has identified that I need to focus on. The fact was I did not know how to do this in an academic way so that was a very valuable lesson I have learnt.

Having someone knowable discussing your assessment criteria with you is so advantageous and helpful as they see ways of improving your content in a way that you had not thought of as it is the little extras that get the increased marks and higher grades. Already my work is improving; pointers are being made as to what can be developed further to achieve a better standard of work.

I cannot praise my mentor enough, she is kind and encouraging, emphatic and always patient with me something I am not with myself! I feel I have found a friend and always look forward to our meetings. For me this has been a wonderful experience that I will recommend to other students and I have, long may it continue so others may benefit in the way I have.