My Role as a Peer Mentor – Maryam (Lower Sixth Waconian)

When I think back to starting Year 7, I still remember my peer mentor, and how much she supported me when I first came to CHS. I wanted to do the same for the new Year 7’s and help guide them through their first year.

My role as a peer mentor means meeting my peer mentees, usually a small group from a Year 7 form, once a week during afternoon form time. We are matched in random groups with pupils who have similar interests to us, which makes for great conversation starters. Our responsibilities include delivering certain activities or talking about specific topics with the students, such as Mental Health Week or Showing Racism the Red Card. Recently, we helped the mentees with a Christmas Lip-Sync competition by directing and editing their performances. If there isn’t a set activity, it’s just a nice catch-up where we talk about how they’re getting on with school, tests, life outside school, and any worries or concerns they have. We’re simply there to support them.

Peer mentoring is not only important for the mentees but also for the mentors.

I’ve developed effective communication skills by learning to talk to a different age group and actively listen to their concerns. I’ve also learned to adapt to each mentee and their personality. Additionally, i’ve gained more confidence in speaking to different people, which will be really beneficial for when I leave CHS and move onto my next step.

Peer mentoring allows us to be role models for the younger pupils. We become someone they can talk to who isn’t a teacher or adult, and this helps them feel comfortable sharing certain issues that a mentor could relate to. This easily creates an atmosphere of trust and understanding.

Being a peer mentor has given me the opportunity to reflect on the difference between younger and older Waconians. It’s made me appreciate how much we in Sixth Form have grown since Year 7! Talking about different things with my mentees is a fun change from the usual conversations I have.

What I enjoy most about peer mentoring is building connections with the pupils and inspiring them throughout the year. Discussing things that I can relate to and sharing experiences I’ve learned from is a refreshing break from the pressures of A Levels. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to know that I’ve made a positive impact.

If you’re considering becoming a peer mentor, i would push you to do it! Being a role model and supporting the younger students when they may have concerns is so rewarding.