The transition into your first year of university is often a time of excitement and new beginnings. However, it can also be overwhelming and confusing at times. Balancing classes, friends, and activities while adjusting to a new environment is challenging and stressful for almost every student.
My first year at Bishop’s was one of the most eventful of my life. I had the most fun I’d ever experienced—meeting new best friends, enjoying newfound freedom, and filling every day so completely it felt like years passed instead of months. But of course, this fast-paced environment left me falling behind at times. I found it difficult to adjust to the fast pace of university academics. Suddenly, my midterms were upon me, my assignments were piling up, and I had no idea how to manage myself.
What’s the solution?
Now in my third year at Bishop’s, I can confidently say I have figured out how to effectively handle my course load and not leave everything to the last minute. You develop this skill through practice and experience. My first two years in university taught me so many invaluable skills, such as effective time management, the best way to complete my assignments, the best study methods for exams, how to organize and prioritize my schedule – the list goes on.
That is why the Peer Academic Mentors program offered at Bishop’s is so important and deserves more recognition. This year, I have joined the Student Success Centre as the Business Peer Academic Mentor to offer support to first-year students in their academic journey.
The Peer Academic Mentors program brings together students who offer academic support, advice, and mentorship to their peers. Each department, those being Business, Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, has its own Peer Mentor who is available to help any student in their department. The PAMs have all completed several training sessions and courses concerning personalized peer support, inclusion and effective problem-solving strategies. This, coupled with the lived student experience each of us upper years have at Bishop’s, makes this support even more beneficial.
Why Peer academic mentors make a difference
What sets the Peer Mentors apart from other support programs is the wisdom and approachability of the coaches. Professors and academic advisors are excellent resources, though they can be somewhat intimidating to approach, particularly for a first-year student. The Peer Mentors are fellow students who understand the challenges of university life as we are living it ourselves and understand common first-year struggles as we have experienced these and grown from them. This helps to create an environment of trust and open communication, where students feel comfortable discussing challenges they may be facing and are open to receiving strategies.
The core of this program is individualized support. As every student’s life and academic journey is different, the support they receive and strategies used must be tailored to them. Whether a student is struggling with managing their time effectively, needs proper study methods and techniques, or is navigating a challenging course load, the PAMs are here to help.
What to expect
With the Student Success Centre located in the central campus location of the Library Learning Commons, students feel welcomed and respected when approaching the office. For example, let’s say you’re a first-year student overwhelmed with your course load.
In a meeting with your department’s Peer Academic Mentors, the fellow student will offer you a judgment-free zone, personalized study strategies, an individualized schedule, and several frameworks and techniques you can use moving forward. This kind of personal support offered by someone who has been there before, even perhaps taken that very class before, is invaluable and can be very motivating. The PAMs also know where to point students in need of more significant support, as Bishop’s offers support services such as mental health counselling and the Sexual Violence Support Centre. The Peer Academic Mentorship program is truly a hub for supporting students’ wellness and success, by students, for students.
Giving forward
I wish I had used this resource when I was in my first year, however, I didn’t know where to go for help. I figured out how to be a successful student through years of hard work and tough experiences, which is why I am so excited to help new students with any problems they bring to my office. This program at Bishop’s is more than just a tutoring service; it is a crucial part of our university’s commitment to student success. Together with the Student Success Centre, the PAM program is working hard to ensure every Bishop’s student has the support they need to thrive.
