MATES testimonials

New student testimonials

My mentor was extremely good at just making me feel comfortable and really contributed to helping me settle in to the new university environment. She was easy to talk to and became a familiar face which I could rely on for help (Mentee, Autumn 2014).
This program helped fill in some missing bits of knowledge about what happens when studying at Western Sydney University. As a result, I am more confident about university (Mentee, Spring 2014).
I was going to withdraw, but my mentor and I discussed this at length, and what my expectations of university were, and I decided to continue with university study (Mentee, Spring 2014).

Being a mentor is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience. It's rewarding to see how you can make a big difference in someone else's university experience by just providing a bit of information and support. And I ended up with a really close friend which I wasn't expecting (Mentor, Spring 2014).
I absolutely loved the experience, and have gained so much as a mentor, so I guess you teach mentees but somehow you are learning new things too (Mentor, Autumn 2014).
I just want to let you know how refreshing the whole MATES experience has been so far. Not only has it been gratifying being able to lend support but it's great to have that time on campus and not be wrapped up thinking of all my own work, having a time out by focusing on others has definitely improved my own time on campus (Mentor, Autumn 2014).

We asked our mentors what they would say to students thinking of becoming a mentor. Here's what they had to say:

You'll learn a lot about yourself and other people during your time as a mentor. It is a rewarding and interesting experience.
Not only do you help another student, this program assists you to be a better, stronger, helpful person. What you gain as a mentor is individual to the person but I guarantee it is a positive that you will be able to use in your personal and working life.
Western Sydney University has so much to offer students; I bet you have only scratched the surface of what is available. On top of a rewarding experience helping new students navigate their way through the sometimes daunting experience of University life, you will expand your own knowledge on all the University has to offer!
Being a mentor is a worthwhile experience and something you should try! Everyone benefits from the program.
Do it! It will be one of the best things you've done. It is extremely rewarding to impart the knowledge, skills and information that you have gathered in your time at university. Not only do you make lifelong friends, but you give fresh faced first year students the opportunity to befriend one another.
Definitely give mentoring a go. You'll get all the support and resources you need. It'll surely boost your leadership skills. It's totally manageable to do.
I strongly recommend becoming a mentor, as it not only allows you to help other students but it will help cement your own knowledge of university life.