Reflections 2021

Mentor Reflections per Topic as Reported by the Mentors of Oude Molen

Do you think you were successful in providing newcomers / mentees with support and assistance in the adjustment and transition in their new university environment?

As opposed to mentoring in 2020 I felt this year I was much more successful in helping my mentees by providing them with assitance and support to help deal with the transition to university. This is due to the fact that I learnt from things that I wanted to improve last year combined with the fact that I was placed with mentees in the same faculty as me meaning I could offer more assistance.

What has been the most challenging part of being a mentor? What will you do differently? What will you advise prospective mentors?

The only major challenge this year was the covid aspect due to the fact that it make some interactions slightly awkward. My advice for future mentors is to be up for constructive criticism and to be as friendly as possible as it makes it easier for conversations and relationships to start.

How do you think you think you refined and strengthened your "communication" skills during your term as a mentor? Please elaborate.

I felt I improved in my ability to communicate with people that think differently from me. By being naturally inquisitive but not nosy and friendly I found that people were more inclined to trust me and come to me for advice which is the main goal for me: to be approachable and helpful.

How do you think you think you refined and strengthened your "collaboration" skills during your term as a mentor? Please elaborate.

Throughout the welcoming period you have to work with your fellow mentors and House Committee I had to learn to take positive criticism as well as how to help others out if they weren't available.

How do you think you think you refined and strengthened your "critical thinking" skills during your term as a mentor? Please elaborate.

Throughout the welcoming period delays happened and we as mentors have to think on the spot to keep our mentees both informed and entertained. This meant I had to learn to be more flexible and critically think during situations which I usually wouldn't put myself into.

How do you think you think you refined and strengthened your "creativity" skills during your term as a mentor? Please elaborate.

The only way I can think that my creativity skills improved was in my ability to keep conversations interesting and going after long periods of time because of think of new topics to discuss that could facilitate further conversation.