Mentors bring campus to life for newbies
- Posted: 10th February 2012
Peer-support programs smooth the transition to university - and it's not only newcomers who benefit, writes Paddy Wood in the Sydney Morning Herald
BATTLING complicated administration and struggling to adapt to new ways of learning without the support of friends meant Matt Wilkinson had a difficult introduction to university. "It was all very new and different" the arts student says. His experience is common in campuses across the state. For Wilkinson, the transition was made easier through involvement with the University of New South Wales peer-mentoring program.
Such programs are a staple at Australian universities, with experienced students offering guidance to new students, who are simultaneously able to build a social network. "I came across the program via an email from the university and decided I'd give it a go," Wilkinson says. "I had a really excellent experience. My mentor helped me through. It's a great way to adjust to the teaching style and how it differs to high school. They teach you how to find your way around campus and it definitely helps with administration and making sure everything is done that needs to be."
Wilkinson's experience was so positive, he decided to become a mentor in his second year. "It was a great way to build my confidence, help myself get organised and give a little bit back to the university," he says. The role of mentor also offers the chance to meet new people. Wilkinson's first-year mentor now lives in France but the two remain in touch. ''I'm still in great contact with people I've met as a mentor," he says. "I work closely in a few fields with other mentors that I've worked with since the start of the program."
Wilkinson went a step further, becoming a senior mentor and helping train new members and develop the program. The arts faculty recognised his efforts with a student life leadership award last year. When he begins honours this year, Wilkinson will resume his role as a senior mentor.
