MIS for BeWell 2016

As I recall my experience of being a mentee in the previous Welcoming I remember the significant role my mentors played in creating a homely atmosphere and a space conducive for me to fit into the residence and University. For this reason I know the extent of the role and impact that mentors play in the welcoming experience and overall adjustment to university life. My mentors were not perfect in their roles so my aim was to replicate all their good aspects and improve on the aspects that I felt could have been done better. My first aim was to create a welcoming environment for the newcomers so as to feel a part of this new community into which they have entered. From the responses I received I have surety that my friendliness was very evident. Secondly I educated myself so as to be informed of the technicalities of entering university life. With this I was able to help the newcomers with all their concerns and matters that they needed to sort out before term started. This gave them peace of mind and easy of transition into their courses. My third objective was to share my experience of transition into university life and advice for them to make their transition as smooth and impactful as possible. As part of this I have also made a en effort and will continue to make an effort to build relationships with my mentees where they feel comfortable to approach me with any concern they might have.

Feedback from Harmonie

I tried to be as honest and real as i could and i felt that this allowed them to feel comfortable to open up to me. I also have some experience with university life and could answer questions that they had.

Feedback from Silene

It helped me to place myself in someone else shoes. Being a mentor reminded me of how I felt the first day I stepped into Stellenbosch and how overwhelming it felt. It was also I reminder of how far I came as an individual and how I can add value to the mentees Stellenbosch University experience.

Feedback from Venustia

I believe that the most helpful aspect for my mentees was the fact that they could ask questions freely about anything and that I was able to show them around campus (Neelsie and lecture locations).

Feedback from Aristea

giving them tips and hacks on all things uni such as second hand textbooks specials locations and the BeWell session equipped them with the knowledge of all the different wellnesses necessary to survive university.

Feedback from Equite

I believe it was in going the extra mile ensuring that academic wise they knew where the buildings were (so that they wouldn't be too flustered). It was to help them with stuff I personally struggled with that people may have thought was easy or simple to know. It was also to assure them that despite whatever challenge university throws whether it be financial mental or physical that they would feel comfortable enough to approach me when they face a tumble. Yes in time you will eventually learn more about where and what university entails but I think the most valuable thing is to have a friend you can count on when times are rough because ultimately that is what carries you through university.

Feedback from Helshoogte

Helping them move in.I am a strong believer of first impression and creating a welcoming mood as soon as they moved into Res with their bags was by far the most helpful aspect.From then onwards the mentees will know that they have a big brother who will always be there for them and willing to give a hand and always wearing a smile.My value was added was making sure i explained fully what activities were coming up and where so they never felt lost or confused. Also the mentor sessions allowed me to get to know them on a personal level.This added to the activities we had on the program gave the mentees a more wholesome university experience.

Feedback from Equite

I think I was able to make them feel more comfortable and loosen up because I showed who I genuinely was. There were no pretences or fakeness. I was human and I think that they appreciated that. Having someone to turn to and to talk to helped my mentees to stay calm and release a little bit of the stress that they have had to experience.Having someone who has been through what you are going through helps to ease the tension and makes you feel like there is someone out there who understands you. My mentees could receive the information that they needed and did not have to worry about being left in the dark about something.Being an approachable person also helped my mentees to feel comfortable coming to me with their problems. Two of my mentees were comfortable enough to tell me what they had experienced because they knew I was there to help. I stand in their corner when they need it. I am also very encouraging so they were excited to participate and get involved in the activities provided for them.

Feedback from Helshoogte

Making the mentees experience enjoyable and worthwhile but also insightful.

Feedback from Venustia

I believe that the most helpful aspect for my mentees was the fact that they could ask questions freely about anything and that I was able to show them around campus (Neelsie and lecture locations).

Feedback from Vesta

Personally I feel the best thing I could do as a mentor is to clarify we are all students and we are all in this together. The only difference is that I have slighty more experience. So being a friend to them is the best I can do because anyone can give them information. But not anyone can be someone that they can talk to and trust. Or just be able to feel comfortable in their path foward as a student.

Feedback from Venustia

I gave my mentees very practical advice on how to handle different situations that university life throws at you. Although many mentees enjoyed discussions about very important topics such as race womxnhood mental health etc many also thanked me for advice on the small things such as where to buy groceries how I do washing what I find best to take notes where to get your student cardetc. I think the most helpful aspect was just being there as a support line for my mentees so they did not feel so alone or lost.

Feedback from Huis Franci van Zijl

-To be someone who they know will always be there to support them . To be a person who they can ask any questions to and bring any of their problems to .

Feedback from Hippokrates

I played a different role to each mentee. For the one I was a big brother figure for the other I was a friend for the other I was an electrician and the other I was a helper. I had to learn to be flexible and to fit into whatever role was needed from me as long as I was helping.

Feedback from Aristea

Getting my mentees ready for university in the little ways was definitely a very important and helpful factor. Getting them registered for university getting their student cards telling them about places to buy second hand books walking them home because they didn't know how to get home themselves. Those things i think helped them a lot because when I was in first year I had to do it all by myself i had no help from my mentor in those departments and having to find someone and do things on my own was very scary and stressful. I also think that bonding with my mentees and messaging them and letting them know that I was there for them was a big help so that they at least felt as if they had one friend on campus that was a new friend.

Feedback from Harmonie

I would definitely say that the most helpful aspects of being a mentor to your mentees would be being there. What I mean with this is that being there for your mentees when they have questions need help with something or just needs someone to talk to helps them grow in their new environment. All of them come from different backgrounds and gets introduced to a whole new life when they move to university. Making sure they know that I am there for them whenever they need anything need help or just want to talk makes them feel that they have someone that will always be by their side.I think being there for them adds value to their university experience since they won't necessarily know what to do in some situations. It also adds value to their experience because no matter what there will always be someone that they can rely on.

Feedback from Helshoogte

Helping them to move in showed we care and that the university/residence welcomes them with open arms.Greeting with warmth and a positive mindset to set an example of how thing are at the university.Some key points from the training helped to keep them calm and to explain high value points them for example how to set achievable goals and what to do during awkward moments where they didn't know what to do.

Feedback from Huis Franci van Zijl

I met each mentee individually before the actual mentor and mentee meet-and-greet and I think that that made them feel at home and safe with at least one person in res. The most helpful aspect together with what I mentioned above is that I tried to relate with them in a fun way - I wanted to make it clear that we are equals and not I am 100 years older that you so you HAVE TO respect me. I hope that this made them feel that I am a very approachable person so that they feel comfortable to ask me anytime anytime.

Feedback from Silene

This year brought a lot of new stress confusion and challenges to the newcomers when it came to knowing if they were accepted to Stellenbosch University how to go about accepting their offer where to stay for the year and much more. I think the most helpful aspect of being a mentor for 2 years running as well as being a part of the University for 3 years now is that I had answers for them because I had gone through similar questions last year and I made the effort to get answers and resolve their issues. I think I added value to their experience of University as they felt taken seriously when I had advice and answers to their valid questions and stress. I calmed them down and helped them realize that they weren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. When they had questions about accommodation I helped them find places to stay in their budget and told them about safe areas and pros/cons. When they had admin questions I knew who's contact details to send them to sort it out. When they had WIFI issues I knew where to take them. Having these answers also made me feel confident in my role as a mentor and it was a rewarding feeling to know that I was able to assist them in most aspects from my own knowledge.

Feedback from Silene

I felt like a big sister when talking to my mentees. My mentees just like every other newcomer were so confused and unsure about stellenbosch campus life and classes. The fact that classes are also adjusted to adhere to protocol just added to their worries. i fell like i managed to bring some calmness and clarity to their questions and worries. Majority of the questions i received were about classes and academics. I helped register a fe students sort out timetables and admin issues. I also passed on some old notes i still had from first year. I made them feel validated and made sure they felt that no question or worry was not important. I feel as though i really made them feel welcome and a part of the university. I feel that by the end of welcoming they had a sense of home in Silene.

Feedback from Harmonie

I added the most value to them by giving them an hour a day during Welcoming to unwind and confide to me their annoyances and their other emotions. They reported back to me feedback about the sessions and every other event during the week which was highly insightful and made them feel much more relaxed. By creating this safe space for them they felt comfortable to tell me a lot about how they were doing and we were thus able to have deep conversations and bond much easier. They also had many queries about university life in general and I helped them to a great extent with this. They went into the beginning of classes with a deeper understanding of the way the classes work and their expectations were discussed in detail.

Feedback from Vesta

In my opinion the biggest impact I made to my mentees experience is always showing them the fun side of life even when everyone was tired or did not feel like doing things. It was also important to help those who do not mix especially easy in social situations get out of their shell a bit and into a comfortable space where they can be themselves really.

Feedback from Harmonie

I think to be honest and rather boring the most helpful part of being a mentor to my mentees was the admin help. The help with WiFi with food bookings sorting out COB getting student cards helping with registration even helping one mentee with acceptance and accompanying them on many trips to admin A. While these aspects of the job might not be the most valuable they are the most helpful in terms of allowing the mentee to have the smoothest and easiest transition into university.The other value I think I added to their experience was a place for them to have discussions in a safe environment. My mentees really enjoyed being able to discuss difficult topics explore each other's worldviews and get to know each other on a deeper level. I think this is an invaluable part of the university experience - being able to have these sorts of conversations - it's important to be able to be open to new and different ideas when entering an institution like Stellenbosch Universityso I think this was also a very helpful part of my being a mentor to me mentees.

Feedback from Silene

i really think i helped each mentee in their own way. one mentee told me she appreciated the way i helped and guided her and that she felt more prepared and ready for university than before when she felt lost and confused. there was one situation that ill never forget and it was a girl that didnt want to dance and i asked her why not and she said she cant dance and everyone in her life has told her she cant- i told her not to listen to them and proceeded to help her one on one with the dance. she came up to me after the practice and thanked for giving her the confidence even though she knows she doesnt look the best dancing she knows shes having fun. she also told other mentees about this and then came to me again on the last night of welcoming to tell me this again and to thank me for giving her confidence. i will never forget that it made me feel good as a person and as a mentor and thats my goal as a mentor; to help guide and make others feel better about themselves.

Feedback from Aristea

Helping them understand sunlearn getting. A hang of where their classes would be and most off all being a familiar face to them someone they could talk to or sit with during lunch or welcoming. Like a safespace i found that they easily opened up to me and trusted me which was rewarding. Keeping them informed and helping them with their university admin like student cards or timetables.

Feedback from Vesta

My most helpful aspect was just helping the mentees getting sorted for the academic year and giving them campus tours. I enjoyed engaging with them with regards to how my first year experience was and how they could in a way learn from my mistakes. I feel what really added value to their university experience were the few mentor sessions we had on wellness and the transition into varsity. I never thought I would say this but I actually enjoyed helping the mentees through the welcoming week. There was a stage where I felt overwhelmed with messages from mentees but I had remembered there was also a time where I knew nothing and needed information and therefore actually found joy in assisting my mentees with whatever issues they had.

Feedback from Harmonie

I think it initially shocked me a bit when I realised that I was receiving other small and extra responsibilities that I did not expect. However once I accepted this and decided that I would embrace these responsibilities and take care of them best I can I realised that there is something so beautiful about doing nitty-gritty tasks for others. It might seem insignificant to you yet for them it could mean the world or make their day. So I think that would be one of the main differences I think I made.I also think just having a safe space where you can unwind and debrief is very relaxing and calming and from the feedback I received from them I believe that was what my mentees experienced.Another thing is just being able to have a mentor to show you how to do nitty-gritty/admin tasks helps a lot. I think it takes a lot of unnecessary stress away that is caused by these types of problems.Lastly I also think that the conversations we had as a mentor group made them think further and wider - I think it opened up their minds which is very important in a university environment.

Feedback from Irene

Making sure that they are aware of most of the things and that they are prepared for starting a new journey. I shared my first year experience with them from changing course to getting lost for classes and etc. I shared my story not to scary them but to show them that they must not be scared or want to give up and think that they are not going to survive those are things that some of the university students go through. And I think that actually made it easier for some of my mentees come to me and open up to me about how they were not sure if they want to do what they were accepted for and I managed to get help for them and now they changed to something that they are comfortable with and want to do. As a mentor when you get an email saying I am grateful for all you have done for me it more than repays the time involved and fills my heart with joy although sometimes I am not really sure what exactly have I done other than just doing what all the other house committe members did which is to make sure that all the newcomers feel welcomed and included in Irene and in the University as a whole.

Feedback from Vesta

Being there for them when they needed a friend. As a newcomer to any place it can be very confusing and overwhelming to be in a space you've never been before and I think the fact that I was always available and ready to assist was very helpful to them.

Feedback from Aristea

As a mentor we assisted in the adjustment phase from home to university tremendously. I do believe that that was one of the most helpful aspects of being a mentor because facilitating in that adjustment and ensuring that they are well adjusted to their new environment has a direct influence on their university journey - as I believe it grounds them and provides them with a new foundation as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.

Feedback from Huis ten Bosch

Being able to create a space in which they were able to seek my help when needed.

Feedback from Nerina

I get to be there to cheer them on. Constantly reminding them that they're not alone and that someone is looking out for them.

Feedback from Pieke

To give them an experience they will never forget and to know there is always someone they can ask for help. To show and tell the them the most important things to focus on inside and outside of class to further their learning experience and help them to get the best marks. To show them the shortcuts of how to get around and tell them where not to go for it might be unsafe.

Feedback from Equite

Being able to answer any questions they have regarding university and clearing up any confusion added value to their university experience as it provided them with valuable information they would not have obtained otherwise and also by giving them peace of mind and comfort in the fact that they are not alone.

Feedback from Helshoogte

I like to think back to my welcoming experience to compare the two. I would say I am always keen to help even though I may not have the info or the know-how to help I can connect the mentee to someone who can.I am constantly striving to elude positivity and the character of my saviour Jesus Christ in all things I do. I am a good listener and take a genuine interesting in the wellbeing of my mentees.

Feedback from Erica

I would like to think that what I added in an overall sense was aimed kind of grounding. Someone that was there no matter the mood of the day or the topic of the conversation. I feel as though I was able to remain a constant throughout their o week and even now. I think that being a second year who also still feels relatively new to the idea of university made me someone that they could relate to but still go to for help. Overall my goal was to always lift their spirits and guide them positively without dismissing their feelings. I feel as though I was able to do that. Because I had mentees joining at different stages of welcoming and still mentees joining now I think that I would have added something different depending on the individual. For some it would be a more personal relationship whereas for others I was simply someone who was there for advice and help- I feel so so happy that I was able to be both.

Feedback from Serruria

I helped them to unpack after each day and also to sort out admin things that might contribute to more stress. We had sessions about how they were feeling and their wellness and practical things to do when dealing with stress.

Feedback from Olympus

Guidance in times when they didn't even know they were lost. Simply being a guiding light that showed them the small things that they missed on their own tk improve their experience

Feedback from Vesta

Given the circumstances of covid 19 many are afraid to engage with the public and in university this way of life can be very daunting. I feel the biggest addition I can be in their life's is a open and willing to engage peer. I'm not just a mentor I'm someone my mentees feel they can engage with on a human level and get a better taste of who I am as a person not just a mentor.

Feedback from Oude Molen

Being able to help my mentees get used to campus and what they can expect of their course as well as just letting them calm down so they aren't too hard on them when classes start.

Feedback from Simonsberg

Providing practical advice. At first I thought that I should be helping the newcomers with deeper and more serious issues. I only later realized that the advice I was able to give had the effect of calming the first years about the time that was to come.

Feedback from Simonsberg

eing honest and transparent has to be how I added value. I didn't sugar coat any of the experiences and as a result my mentees learned to compensate enough. After checking in on them in the past weeks most of them are coping well even though it's a lot of work.I also told them to use their resources and most of them have been asking questions if they have any. Going to the library and computer labs.I also stressed the importance of mental health and the facilities the university provides

Feedback from Aristea

Just being there for them throughout the day. Especially being a friend and a happy face to them. Also to make sure they feel comfortable in the PSO and at the university-that they can go with confidence into a new day and that they want to be apart. But the most helpful was being friendly and giving everyone a smile and piece of friendliness.

Feedback from Equite

The most helpful aspect was being that easy go-to person for all their questions. They felt comfortable with asking anything without feeling judged and were able to talk about anything. Thus the most helpful aspect is being a reflective sound board for them to navigate their way through campus and campus life.

Feedback from Huis Franci van Zijl

My mentees found it quite refreshing that I was able to convey my time on campus (especially my first year in 2019) very frankly. I told them the realities of the campus and did not sugarcoat it as the other welcoming teams.They could gage with me and talk about their genuine concerns for what the next year will bring. We were able to collate that with the Welcoming session we had about privilege and goal-setting.

Feedback from Equite

The most helpful aspect of being a mentor was that it was a fulfilling experience whereby you could readily see that your advice and comments where making a difference in their lives. I could see it in the feedback they gave me and even observing them from afar that they started to navigate student life with a bit more ease and was able to make a couple of friends. I took all my training and used it to create a positive and comfortable environment where my mentees were able to ask me about anything and I was always ready to give advice. The mentor training also helped me with certain one-on-one meetings. Through the training I made sure that my mentee was comfortable with me and that they they could ask me any and everything. I also knew that sometimes there were questions I could not answer and handed over the questions to the relevant House Committee members. The House Committee members were also really helpful in this regard and made sure that they were readily available to us as mentors. Another helpful aspect was that I was once a newcomer myself and through this I tried to take my own experience and what I needed to hear and impart that onto them. I made sure that I was honest with them and told them the hard truths about university life but I also made sure that I gave them positive affirmations as well. I believe that I added value to their university experience because through the mentoring they told me that they felt more prepared for university and what it entailed. They were no longer fully scared or intimidated by university and the work ahead. Rather they felt a bit more prepared about what to expect and how they can conduct themselves accordingly. I told them that failure was not the be all end all but it was how you bounce back which determines your character and fate. Academics was not only the advice I gave them I told them about the social life around Stellenbosch societies and sports that they can join. As such I helped them see varsity as something that is not purely academic but something which is a wholistic experience beyond textbooks. I also made sure that the advice I imparted was beyond academics. I told them that student life is a personal journey as well where you will experience ups and downs in your personal life as well. I think this also helped them to see varsity beyond the university walls as well. It was a place where they will grow and mature as well.

Feedback from Equite

Just being there for my mentees was a big thing. With them starting a new chapter of their lives it is always scary and the uncertainty of it all raises many questions. Just being there for them and letting them know that they can come to me for anything already puts their minds at ease. Any questions they had either about the welcoming program or about their degree in general they knew who to ask. Any general questions about the university where to find certain buildings or simply where they can print helped their university experience and made the transition easier for them knowing that they are not alone. Also just sitting with a group of the Newcomers adds a new mind and mouth for conversation as sometimes they would run out of things to say or questions to ask each other. It put their minds at ease knowing they could just answer or contribute to the conversation instead of stress about what they are going to say or ask next. When my mentees didn't particularly know anyone they would find me and come stand and talk to me. This made them feel accepted which is what everyone wants when they come to university.

Feedback from Equite

Sometimes I felt like a uni-mom. I felt very protective over my mentees and I think that is a very important aspect of being a mentor. I just wanted them to feel safe because I know I was very scared when I first got to University. One of the most important aspects of being a mentor is to be a friend to your mentees so that they feel safe to talk to you about everything. I feel like I was there for my mentees as a support system during welcoming by constantly checking if they were okay and felt comfortable. I also tried to give them as much information as possible so that they won't feel unsure. I loved the fact that they would come to me with questions and felt so comfortable to approach me. I really tried to make an effort to help them and find answers to all their questions. Another important aspect is trust. From the first day of welcoming I made it clear to my mentees that they can trust me fully. Trust is very important in a mentor-mentee relationship because if the mentee does not trust the mentor there will be gaps in their relationship. They won't be able to open up or get comfortable with each other. I really feel like I contributed to my mentees University life by being there for them as a constant support system and helping them all the way.

Feedback from Aurora

I think the be well experience was really useful and we could add our own experiences and helpful tips and trick pertaining to the same degrees. I think it was really nice for them to have someone there every day to go to if they didnt have anything else to do and could rely on us to talk to and have a friend to help them transition and learn about the campus and life at the university.

Feedback from Equite

I made a safe environment that allows us to share our feelings and I also shared my experiences of University with them and what to expect and also shared a lot of resources to ensure that they are ready to low start their University life.

Feedback from Equite

My most helpful aspect of being a mentor is that I was able to help my mentees get a visual of what the next 3 or 4 years of their lives would be like. I was able to guide them through their first day buying textbooks showing them around campus and asking any questions about the fun activities around Stellenbosch. I feel added value to their university experience as they all seemed to feel more excited and confident on their first day of classes and they all seem to have settled in quite alright which makes me feel as if I was able to add something.

Feedback from Erica

Looking back on my mentoring experience last year when I was a first year I believe that the area that my mentor added the most value to my university experience was definitely the academic side. University is so different from high-school in terms of the curriculum testing methods and even style of teaching and studying. Without my mentors knowledge I would've been completely clueless on my first day of classes. I ended up being the top first year Civil Engineering student last year and I know for a fact that I couldn't have achieved that without her help and advice. Therefore I wanted to give my mentees the same academic information that I got during Welcoming Week. I personally believe that the most helpful part of being a mentor to my mentees was the academic information and tips that I could give them. They are all really independent strong young ladies and I knew that in terms of emotional support they won't need me too much. That is why I also wanted to show them how much I can help in terms of their academics as I know how important their grades are to them. I gave them as many tips and tricks as I possibly could. I explained to them how to navigate SUNLearn what they should do each week in terms of lectures and tutorials as well as what test week is. We also went through each module and I explained to them my preferred ways of studying and note taking methods for each one. I could read see how grateful and appreciative they were for all the information that I gave them and I know they found it all really helpful.

Feedback from Serruria

I think trying to answer all of their questions so that they can feel they have the information they need to feel like they are getting piece of mind about adjusting to university. Just being an ear to listen and checking up that they are doing okay whilst still giving them distance to find friends or make their way around Stellenbosch was very important. Not to be over bearing and being there every second but making them know that they have the freedom to do as they need and want. However if there is a problem/ need to chat there is someone there for them. This truly gave them an understanding of what university is having the freedom and far greater potential to live their lives but always knowing that there is someone who they can count on when they need or want someone. In terms of academic mentees I think just giving them confidence that they can get through the work and reassurance that it is possible to do well was very important. So that they have the right mindset going into their studies. This will enable them to try their best and work according to what they are capable of.

Feedback from Venustia

The most helpful aspect was that I made sure to be inclusive. Being inclusive is not only about pronouns or race but its also about socio-economic backgrounds family lives and many different factors. I made sure to create a safe and fun environment for my mentees so that they could feel safe to open up to me. I realized that this paid off when I would get mentees who personally messaged me asking for advice or just to tell me their problems. I felt quite accomplished in my job as I realized that they trusted me enough with their problems. I think I added to their university experience by ensuring that they know that I will always be there for them no matter what the issue is.

Feedback from Erica

Firstly I believe that I was a very welcoming face when they entered Erica. I was so excited to finally meet them that I was smiling from ear to ear on the day that they moved in and I think that made a good first impression on them. Because we had made contact with our mentees before they arrived at university I think it was nice for them to see my familiar face on the first day. I was the friend that they needed when no one else was around or when they didn't really know anyone that well yet. They could ask me any type of question (sometimes people are too scared to ask a question because it might be a dumb question - I encouraged my mentees to ask me anything they wanted to know about university and they did) and I would be more than willing to answer it. I helped my shy mentees to climb out of their comfort zone a little bit by introducing them to people and into conversations. I acted as someone they could confide in by just always being available and there for them and listening without judging. I was consistently looking out for them and if they looked off during Welcoming I made sure to check in on them. I could give them the advice they needed to hear (this sometimes being the advice they didn't want to hear but HAD to hear). I was a shoulder for them to cry on I always listened earnestly to their problems and I tried to give the best advice that I could.From a technical point of view I helped them to adjust to the online university life by helping them register connect to wifi and printers showing them how Sunlearn works and helping them with all their other admin queries.I believe that the mentor sessions that we had during Welcoming were vital. I think that I created a safe environment for my mentees in the mentor sessions where they could be open and vulnerable and where we could discuss significant topics together.

Feedback from Serruria

Some of my mentees were struggling mentally and I was able to help with serious issues in this regard. I'm proud for how significant my role was. If you see them now you would never know how they were during welcoming.The helping out with small things such as keeping my fridge open to them meant so much too. I think small gestures like that went a long way.

Feedback from Serruria

I helped them with questions and uncertainties they had. We had lots of conversations about wellness and I helped them to realise how important it is to look after you health and mental health. I also told them about all the available support structures in the university. Academically i helped my mentees to gain perspective about the year ahead and helped them transition mentally from high school to university

Feedback from Helshoogte

The most helpful aspect of being a mentor to your mentees is to be present and available for them.The worst is having a mentor that is new around you can't contact them and therefore they aren't present to help you when required. Therefore I strive to be available to my mentees always and to have an open-door policy so that they can always approach me. I think this is vitally important as it allows you to be a good mentor and for mentees to approach you when they have issues.I feel I added value to their university experience by helping them acclimatize to their new environment learn things and settle in well. It helps greatly when one moves into a new environment to have someone guiding and helping you along the way and I feel I assisted my mentees greatly in this regard.

Feedback from Venustia

I think that the most helpful role I could have played was that of a friend and guidance provider in these strange times. Most of my mentees only had online classes and so had little to no interaction with anyone outside of welcoming week. Those who did not already have friends in Stellenbosch only really knew me as their mentor.Providing them with practical guidance and advise was obviously hugely helpful. I do feel however that simply being a friend in a new and scary situation was the most helpful position I could have undertaken.

Feedback from Huis Franci van Zijl

Sharing our story and the journey that we were on were really inspiring for them. I am a person that wants an example or I want everything to be explained to me and there were many newcomers who related to that. It was an absolute joy to share a part of myself with them and I am sure that they have learnt a lot too. The sessions we had was a real eye-opener as they were exposed to life issues and it really grounded them. Even though we had sessions that left all of us deep in thought we had some fun sessions as well. This reminded them that even though we study such a challenging degree we must also have some fun.

Feedback from Eendrag

I think they appreciated having an older student available at all times to help them through all of the scary admin and help them adjust to the new environment. From my side I tried to give them space to make their friends and grow personal relationships with other students in res and then check-in again with them every few days to ensure they are comfortable.A few of them are having worries about their courses or university life in general so I have been able to help by providing them a listening ear and try to understand where they're coming from better.

Feedback from Capri

They studied the same course as me so I could really guide them to how the department works and what to look forward to and what will be somewhat challenging but they seem very enthusiastic about the year to come.

Feedback from Helshoogte

It was always being there for them. Many times they are sem lost or confused and one's presence as a mentee can help to get the id of that. bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the table was my goal and I managed to achieve that.

Feedback from Equite

I tried to make my mentees comfortable to speak to me about anything by being transparent and honest about how my university experience was especially during the pandemic. I gave them some tips and hacks on how to stay on track with online learning.

Feedback from Equite

They felt like they could come to me with any of their problems if it was personal or university related they would come to me with anything. That made me feel that they trusted me enough to believe in what I told them and saw me as a guide in helping them cope with the transition from school to university life. The most helpful aspect of being a mentor to my mentees was definitely being truthful with them. I didn't sugarcoat the truth about how hard university life could get. I explained to them if you do not put in the effort for getting positive results towards your degree it will get hard then. You will reap what you sow is what I told them during the welcoming period. All of them understood what that meant and knew that they could always come to me if they had a problem with they work or just needed a study buddy for coffee breaks. That really meant a lot to them as they felt like they weren't alone during this difficult transition.

Feedback from Helshoogte

Mentors act as medium through which the newcomers can get a glimpse on different peoples' university experience. And this adds value as it helps ease the newcomers into this new and unknown environment.

Feedback from Nerina

I think the greatest tool which any mentor can possess/offer to their mentees is to be an ear to listen. Each mentee is an individual- each from unique backgrounds upbringings and beliefs- and suddenly now they are all banned together in this new (possibly unfamiliar) place about to embark on their university career with no prior experience of this kind- that is a terrifying and rather daunting situation in which to be placed. Thus I believe the most helpful aspect of a mentor/way in which the most value was added by me to their experience was for me to simply be their person- to be someone to whom they could come to whenever with whatever was on their heart and to know that my door would always (is always) open to them and that I will listen. I think it is vital for mentees to know that their mentor is an ally we want to share our experiences and build a relationship with our mentees- a relationship that lasts well beyond Welcoming.

Feedback from Sonop

I think that I have been helpful to different mentees in different ways.To a few mentees (at least two of them I'd say) I have been an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. To those mentees they have felt comfortable opening up to me about really challenging situations especially about their family situations. I have felt honored to support those mentees in that way.To some mentees I have been a brain to pick. They have come to me for advice on what to do in certain situations. Sometimes these situation have been of an emotional nature while some have been more practical.In the last few months of this mentor term I hope to be a push in the right direction to all of them.

Feedback from Nemesia

It was so rewarding to guide my mentees during this time.Every Mentee is different. And every one needs something different from their mentor.Some of them needed me purely for the practical aspects of their new life such as how to use the washing machine how to book meals and where their classes are.Some of them need me for a lot more than that. They needed me for emotional love and support. I especially loved mentoring these mentees because they had similar needs to what I had in my own welcoming period. This meant that I could have empathy and completely understand their feelings and fears and encourage and love them as they make this difficult transition.

Feedback from Nemesia

I do not try to use my title of being head mentor to be an authority figure but rather use it to enable me to be friends with my mentees and eliminating that initial awkwardness because I kind of have to talk to them and they kind of have to talk to me. obviously not everyone is going to be your friend at the end but I love creating relationships and making people feel special and important. We also have to remember in university that we are all here to study and we mostly have the same fears and dreams. I wanted to be a mentor to make friends with newcomers and in that way create a way for them to be comfortable enough to come to me if they have any problems or even exciting news to share. it is hard to share your realities with someone you don't really know.

Feedback from Nemesia

Because I had already experienced university through a global pandemic I could truly help my mentee's have the best university life midst the given circumstances. I felt super lost and confused last year which helped me support them through this strange time.

Feedback from Nemesia

I think that just by making myself available and by being there for them if they had any questions gave them a sense of comfort. I know it can be intimidating to go to one of the HC or anyone in a leadership position when you are a first year and you need help with something. Therefore the fact that I was there willing to help them gave them a sense of security which I think they appreciated.

Feedback from Osler

I think I mostly benefited my mentees by being someone they could go to for advice and answers. Since lockdown was still initiated a lot of my mentors were confused and concerned about what their year would look like and as an older student I feel like talking to them about my first-year experience eased their worries and made them feel more comfortable.All of my mentees came straight from high school and the jump from matric to university is a huge adjustment and a lot of them had questions about the change which I felt I could help them with. I feel like having a mentor to guide you through first year is extremely beneficial as there are a lot of concepts in first year that can be confusing and new - like transport buildings textbooks admin information. I feel like I helped cover these topics.I also think I helped my mentors break the barrier for them to socialize with their peers as a lot of them were nervous and shy about talking to their classmates. The individual sessions I had with them really helped a few of them break out of their shell and made them feel comfortable enough to interact with mentees from other groups.

Feedback from Nemesia

I helped my mentees by answering the questions they had. It taught them about how alot of things worked in residence like the rules and activities they could take part in. I showed them around outside of residence and where to find the neelsie mall and academic buildings. The most important thing I told them is that it is normal to feel scared or overwhelmed. I too struggled with adjusting to university life but it is important that they enjoy every moment and remember that things become easier. Once they are used to and know how everything works they will thrive. I showed them as much support as possible and I believe that this helped them alot.

Feedback from Equite

The most helpful part of being a mentor to my mentees was making them feel welcome and comfortable to have access to me. Being able to make them a feel listened to and understood helped them reach out to me more easily. i want to believe that i added value by reminding them that this is their life and that as long as they remain rue to who they are what they believe in and what they are made of they will succeed. Giving advice academically socially personally also helped them have a better experience of their university experience.

Feedback from Serruria

There are so many helpful aspects about being a mentor to my mentees but one that stands out the most is being a big sister and a friend with experience to guide my mentees through their university experience. It also taught me to have patience patience and understanding working with ladies who are fearful over whelmed and stressed helps you place yourself in their shoes and gain an understanding of their feelings. This ties in with problem solving I had to learn to think on my feet when a situation arose and to remain calm think rationally and practically about the next step to take. I do think this helped me see what type of leader I want to be for my mentees and how I want to take up the responsibility that comes with being a leader. It taught me to look at the group (mentees) and see what style of leadership will be most effective for the group and how to define my role as a facilitator within our mentor/mentee talks and encourage conversation between the ladies. I think by me being observant and empathetic towards my mentees helped them develop a meaningful relationship with me as their mentor which they value and I do too. By us having comfortable conversations it makes it easy for my mentees to reach out for guidance/help when they need me; and I think this specific aspect plays the most significant role from my side as their mentor because they know I'm dependable and always available.

Feedback from Equite

I made them feel less worried and more calmly about welcoming

Feedback from Eendrag

I believe that I helped to encourage my mentees, especially during the exam period I also helped my mentees out with admin related issues

Feedback from Equite

Simply being a source of information I was always willing to share my past experiences with my mentees and give them as much information that they needed

Feedback from Heemstede

I think I enabled my mentees to feel more comfortable in their own skins and be less intimidated by the enormity of university life

Feedback from Equite

The most helpful aspect of being a mentor to my mentees and the way in which I had added value to their university experience, was the fact that I was able to give them the necessary tools to be able to deal with being a student at Stellenbosch University I have also created an environment in which they were able to form new relationships with peers within the same faculty, aswell as within the PSO I have also encouraged them to mingle with other students within the PSO and across faculties, so that they will be able to go a bit out of their own comfort zones and become a bit more socially confident and confident within themselves I have also been able to put myself out there for them to utilize if there were any questions or scenarios with which they needed answers, help or advice I have also told them pieces of my University experience thus far, in order for them to find common ground on which to stand and so that they don't feel as vulnerable or alone in this new and exciting time I showed them the ropes and encouraged them to envision the best version of themselves and the time that they will have at University in order to reach their full potential and for them to be able to reqach their dreams

Feedback from Metanoia

In my opinion, it would be having the BeWell sessions The BeWell sessions for my mentees were a very important time where we would discuss critical matters and problems that they were facing It was also good opportunity to share my first year experiences with the mentees and walk them through how to handle certain situations I found this being the most helpful aspect , due to the fact that being a first year student requires support and communication and this platform provides it i believe that the BeWell sessions add value because it discusses crucial topics that not only the mentee will benefit from but the mentor as well

Feedback from Nerina

I think the most important role for a mentor in a mentees journey is the beginning They came into the university experience having no clue how their living circumstances will be, how their choice of career will pan out, how they will cope away from home and how they are going to make new friends A mentor plays the safety net in their welcoming experience, the person they can ask questions about their living space, advice on what to buy for toiletries, who they can talk to to find more about their career, advice on roomates and making new friends I found that being in contact with my mentees before they arrived helped them so much in finding their feet when arriving in Nerina My mentees had a lot of questions about their degree, changing form Afrikaans to English classes, suggestions on what to buy to help take their toiletries to the shower I also found that the places I had shown them such as en Route, Swirl, the Neelsie and out faculty were the places they felt most comfortable to spend time and once they felt comfortable there they began to branch out and discover new places with their onw friends

Feedback from Metanoia

One of my mentees was struggling with substance abuse I was able to speak to her and get an understanding of why she was feeling the way she was feeling (wasn't keeping up academically, felt that she had no friends, transition from school to university etc) and why she felt the need to use substances as a coping mechanism In doing that we were able to set up a plan for her to tackle some of those adjustment issues she'd been struggling with and get relevant parties involved In this instance I feel I made an irrevocable difference in her life during this stressful transition time I also hosted a how to res session for my mentees just before the start of semester 1 to ensure they were able to navigate res independently Hosted a mentor session (along with Sean Pape) for our mentees specifically dedicated to study tips and tricks to make sure our mentees had as many tools as possible to assist them during the semester

Feedback from Metanoia

I think the moment I realized I added value was when after O-week one of my mentee's parents came up to me and thanked me for the easy transition I made for her daughter into Meta and university I knew I was making some form of impact to my mentees but when someone apart from them realized it too I felt proud and happy My mentees had adjusted so well that even when they had the chance to go home, they would choose to rather stay and interact with each other I think i successfully shared the importance of sisterhood that even when I'm not there they have eash other I can confidently say their (my mentees) friendship goes beyond staying in the same corridor

Feedback from Metanoia

The experience of being a mentor gave me many opportunities to make the transition from high school to university as easy as I could possibly make it This felt like the most helpful thing I could do for my mentees, by being there for them from the basic questions of navigating through SunLearn to helping them to better manage the workload of university but still make time for themselves and the experiences that university has to offer I was able to help guide them through the experience of varsity and point them in directions to better aid them academically but also other safe experiences even though we were going through a global pandemic I added value to my mentees' university experience by being a guiding light and someone to provide them with assistance as someone who has more experience in university Further, by being a support system for them to voice their concerns or to have someone to speak to about personal aspects of their life and thereby just being someone to listen to them when they needed it

Feedback from Metanoia

As mundane as it maybe, I think I was really able to be a catalyst to my their settling in I really created a home environment in section where we could bond over banter and jokes like one would with their sibling Once we feel like we are home, then we can be more comfortable and then less home sickTherefore, I think was able ease their adjustment process faster

Feedback from Equite

When starting off as a mentor my idea of being a mentor was of such that my job is to partially take on the responsibilities of my mentees (and babysit them) and assist them in that way. As welcoming went on I realized that their is much more value in teaching them how to adapt from being in high school to university in the sense of being independent. I learned that them not attending sessions were not necessarily a bad thing as I encouraged independence - therefore did not take it to heart. I always reminded my mentees that I will be of assistance whenever they need me yet they should first try to solve any issues themselves. In my opinion the one thing that I spoke to my mentees about that they claimed assisted them a lot is giving them an overview and I better idea of the Sport Sciences faculty in general and told them what they could expect from each lecturer and in each module. In that way they felt more prepared in terms of expectations and the anxiety regarding this aspect. I tried to introduce not only my Sports Science mentees but my theology mentee as well to as many people who would be relevant (academically) to them. This insured that where ever they would find themselves on campus that there would be a familiar face and a possible helping hand (when needed).

Feedback from Minerva

I believe that I was an asset to my mentees because I was extremely resourceful in terms of solving their problems. I knew where to get them the assistance they needed and I was able to provide them with emotional support

Feedback from Serruria

The most helpful thing was answering any question they had. Be it about Residence. Academics or life in general. I think it really gave them a bit of relief if they had their questions answered. Another useful aspect was the sessions we had where we addressed wellness and the importance of wellness. Especially in COVID times mental health is very important and a simple reminder to go for a walk really made a difference. That little bit of interaction also help the newcomers make friends and learn from everyone. Adding to this I think just checking on them also made a huge difference because they actually stopped for a second and considered how they were feeling. I think that this helped them realise their emotions and address them. I think in the beginning also sharing my experience helped them know that they are able to adapt and make the most of university life where they might have never had the opportunity to speak to someone who has gone through the first year already. Listening to them and encouraging was the best thing I could do for them because they were able to let go of their feelings and know someone is there for them.

Feedback from Nemesia

I was always available and willing to help. From walking my mentee to Admin A and sorting out her bursaries with her to helping them load quotas to being available for deep chats. I experience my role in their lives as less of a lifeboat and more of a port. They can go out and be free and discover student life and themselves independently but then they are tired or need some help or a place of refuge they can come to me.

Feedback from Nemesia

The most useful aspects of being a mentor to my mentees is explaining the how Stellenbosch University systems work like COB washing and printing quota Sunlearn and MySun. They were more fascinated about COB the fact that it feels like its not their money being spent on food but its because its their parents so it does not feel like a lot. Explaining these systems to them made a big difference and they felt like they could do more in the university.

Reflections 2021

Submissions/Reflections from Mentors per Residence and PSO

Topic: In your opinion, what was the most helpful aspect of being a mentor to your mentees - how did you add value to their university experience?

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