On my first day at Deakin University, my Business and Law Faculty introduced me to a unique program where students help other students in various university life queries. The program tends to make students better in different aspects. I withheld the position of Student Mentor for T1, 2020, and T2, 2020.

My experience as a Business and Law School Peer Mentor that mainly revolved around academics, I made sure my peer mentees had the understanding that not all classrooms have four walls. In each weekly meeting, apart from the academic help, I used to motivate and encourage my mentees to get involved in various activities across the university including events like O-week, Webinars, Virtual Shows, Club showcase, Club events and involvement, Volunteer Opportunities within and outside the university, as these events had opportunities for learning and networking. Besides, I used to organize sessions in which we played various games to develop their confidence and help them learn how to balance study and work. The learning from these sessions and suggestions weren’t just bounded academically. My experience as a Mentor taught me to acquire skill sets like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.

In a team, both failure and imagination are crucial to success. While failure helps us to understand where to channel our energies while moving forward and where our true passion lies, imagination allows us to empathize with others and influence them for good. In my mentor sessions, I used to motivate and teach the same to my mentees. It was a team where everyone helped each other to bring out a better version of themselves. I used to conduct group activities to improve the morale of my mentees and help them understand the importance of teamwork and how crucial it is in the professional and personal world and how it helps to reinforce or make bonds with others. And because of this now my mentee group has a made support base for themselves. While working on our teamwork skills in the sessions, we automatically polished our other skills including communication, management, problem-solving and critical thinking.

I was unable to meet my mentees in person. However, I created an atmosphere and aura of comfort, support, trust, and reliance that the mentees could be open about their vulnerabilities and failures. I made sure I did my best in assisting the new students to have a smooth start at Deakin by connecting with them at an emotional level. I have always been enthusiastic and approachable as many students came up to me and discussed the issues they were facing. I have used my Cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment of the needs of the students. I believe my role has created a positive impact on students and it inspired them to have a pragmatic approach towards their student experience.

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“Given the complexities of working as a part of a strong vibrant team, Payal has always managed to work her way through difficult and easy situations in a very smooth manner. She is a team player and is always ready to lead and delegate. Her proactive nature and strong support have always helped the mentor team through rough times during the current pandemic. Payal’s attitude towards getting a task done and her charismatic nature are what stands out the most. It has always been an absolute pleasure working and studying with Payal. - Parinaz Bhhariwala