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Student Peer Mentor
Student Mentor · University of MElbourne
Mar 1, 2021 - Nov 12, 2021
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Student Mentor · University of MElbourne
Mar 1, 2021 - Nov 12, 2021
I stand at the front of our meeting space in the Student Pavilion, scanning ten expectant faces. It’s my job to dissolve that first-year intimidation. I make a joke about the endless stairs to the Old Arts building, watching the tension break as they realise they aren't navigating this alone.
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When they look bewildered by the university’s administrative jargon, I step in as the translator. I bridge the gap between official course guides and reality, explaining what "cumulative assessment" actually means for their weekends. It feels good to strip away the confusion and provide them with a clear path forward.
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My goal isn't just to talk; it’s to make them talk to each other. By facilitating group discussions, I watch ten strangers gradually find common ground. Seeing them swap contact details and form their own study micro-community feels like I’ve successfully planted the seeds for their future academic support system.
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I intentionally share my own past exam failures and library-caffeine mishaps. By admitting I once got lost during orientation, I give them permission to be imperfect. It turns my status from an untouchable authority figure into a relatable peer, which encourages them to voice their own genuine anxieties and questions.
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With ten different personalities, my role is part-diplomat. I balance the enthusiastic extroverts who dominate the airtime with the quieter students who have brilliant insights but just need an opening. Ensuring everyone feels heard makes our group stronger, creating a safe, inclusive space where every single voice gets its turn.
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As the semester nears its end, I realise this mentorship was never really about the syllabus. I’ve helped them build the confidence to navigate university life independently. Knowing that I’ve eased their transition into this new chapter gives me a profound sense of purpose as my own degree draws closer.
<Image alt="Fu-Sheng Huang Student Peer Mentor Nomination" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/fusheng-portfolio/users/69f7662d78a6f715ebd56660/volunteering/1782048614571820135-1e40fc42d0bcaddd.png" caption="Student Peer Mentor Nomination" />