Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Mentor:

Most universities now tend to have Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) sessions, which are free group study sessions for tough units facilitated by a student who has excelled in that unit. As a PASS mentor, my role is to provide academic support and leadership to fellow students who are enrolled in the same units of study in which I excelled. Rather than re-teaching or delivering new content, my focus is on reinforcing key points from lectures and tutorials. I do this while guiding students in applying their own skills to enhance their understanding of course concepts, promoting effective problem-solving, and nurturing their independent learning abilities. 

 

Throughout my tenure as a PASS leader, I have consistently prioritised building a strong connection between myself and my students. As a PASS mentor, I've learned the power of building trust and rapport with my students. Sharing personal academic challenges I've faced helps create a supportive and empathetic learning environment. From my first trimester of PASS sessions, I've made an effort to show students my vulnerabilities, fostering openness and comfort for them to share their own struggles. This connection fosters an environment where my students feel at ease, allowing them to learn and make mistakes without fear of judgment.

 

As a mentor, I actively facilitate discussions that encourage a deeper comprehension of course concepts. This task necessitates adept management of diverse personalities and abilities within the sessions. To achieve this, I pay close attention to how students respond to different questions and engage with the material during our sessions. I also encourage students to provide feedback at the conclusion of each session, helping me gain insight into their unique learning styles. This feedback enables me to adapt my approach to better meet the needs of each student group. Furthermore, I collaborate closely with the PASS coordinator, who collects feedback about the overall effectiveness of the PASS sessions. I am pleased to note that the feedback from all my past sessions has consistently been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, one of my students was so inspired by my sessions that he decided to pursue becoming a PASS mentor himself. With my guidance and support, he successfully achieved this goal, highlighting the positive impact and success of my leadership skills through the program.

In addition to my main responsibilities as a mentor, I take on additional tasks within the PASS program. My engagement in the PASS program goes beyond academic requirements, as I not only provide academic support but have also led a training session for new mentors. This highlights my dedication to taking on leadership roles beyond what is expected. Collaborating with the senior leader and PASS coordinator to train new leaders also demonstrates my commitment to building a sustainable and successful program. 

In my mentor role, I have honed and displayed a rich array of leadership qualities that extend far beyond the confines of my job description. By skillfully facilitating discussions and guiding my peers, I have not only elevated their learning outcomes but also fostered a sense of community and support within our academic circle. However, my leadership experience as a PASS mentor has not only contributed immensely to the academic growth of my peers but has also been transformative for me. It has deepened my own understanding of course material, further enriching my knowledge. Simultaneously, it has sharpened my interpersonal and mentoring skills, moulding me into a well-rounded and dedicated leader. My unwavering commitment to going beyond the expected demonstrates my passion for fostering academic excellence and cultivating future leaders.

 

Student Experience Ambassador:

Deakin University has student experience ambassadors who work in partnership with the university to deliver orientation, social, health, wellbeing and graduation events and activities. Being a student experience ambassador, I have effectively demonstrated my leadership capabilities and achieved significant personal and social impact through my role. 

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As the face of Deakin, I actively engage in health and well-being programs, supporting orientation activities, campus tours, and guiding students to access essential services. This shows my ability to lead and facilitate interactions with diverse individuals within the university community. Moreover, as a Student Experience Ambassador, I have the opportunity to co-create, co-design, and deliver events, programs, and activities for the student community. This means that I can actively contribute to shaping Deakin's initiatives for students, demonstrating my leadership skills.

 

As an ambassador, I also have the ability to influence and support students, particularly new students embarking on their journey at Deakin University. By assisting new students, I foster a sense of belonging and help ease their transition into university life. An example of this was my involvement in a presentation about life as an international student at Deakin University, in which I got to share my personal experiences and give advice to students starting a new life away from home.  I feel that thanks to my diverse array of experiences, I was able to connect with all the students at the event and actually managed to keep in contact with some to whom I have given advice to, even after the event.

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Through the ambassador program, I not only gain practical skills but also receive professional development and training opportunities. This underscores my commitment to continuous improvement and learning. Overall, being a Student Experience Ambassador allows me to showcase my leadership abilities, engage with the student community, and contribute to creating a vibrant and inclusive university environment.

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DeakinTALENT Ambassador

DeakinTALENT is a careers and employment service offered by Deakin University, which is available to all students. As a DeakinTALENT Ambassador, I've had the privilege of engaging in a role that aligns closely with my journey as a leader. My responsibilities go beyond just representation; they encompass leadership and active participation in various aspects.

 

One of the key aspects of my role is teamwork and collaboration. I've had the opportunity to work closely with a team of dedicated ambassadors and other university staff. By working as a team, we allocate roles and responsibilities and ensure that we consistently get as much engagement with students as possible. I participate in pop-up stalls and diverse events, indicating my ability to lead projects which require adaptability and engagement. Additionally, being a front-facing representative of DeakinTALENT, I engage with students from various faculties, stages of study, and backgrounds. This showcases my skill in effectively leading interactions with diverse individuals and allows me to broaden my understanding of diverse perspectives and build connections across the university community.  Lastly, adaptability and problem-solving have been essential skills in my role. The nature of our work means that we encounter different challenges with each event and interaction. I've learned to think on my feet, adapt to varying scenarios, and find innovative solutions to address these challenges, thereby demonstrating leadership in real-world, dynamic situations. 

 

One example of this is the first time I encountered a student with a unique background and aspirations that didn't fit the typical mould of the students we usually assist. Instead of following a scripted response, I immediately sensed the need to adapt to her situation. I started by asking open-ended questions to better understand her background, interests, and long-term goals. This allowed me to provide more tailored guidance. As our conversation unfolded, it became evident that she needed support in a specific area that our booth was not fully equipped to address. Without hesitation, I recommended that she schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor, as they could provide her with the specialised assistance she needed. 

 

In this scenario, my ability to think on my feet and adapt to the student's unique needs was crucial. It was clear that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't suffice, and I had to act quickly to ensure she received the most relevant and personalised guidance. By doing so, I not only helped the student but also strengthened the reputation of DeakinTalent as an organisation that genuinely cares about its students' individual career journeys and needs. This experience showcased my adaptability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to serving students effectively in a dynamic environment.

The ambassador program not only provides me with the platform to promote career services and support offered by DeakinTALENT but also offers enhanced opportunities for my own personal and professional development. By engaging with career services, I can enhance my own marketability and gain valuable insights into the world of employment and career advancement. 

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My role as a DeakinTALENT Ambassador is not just about representing the university's services; it's about making a positive difference in the lives of fellow students, collaborating effectively, and continuously growing and adapting in a dynamic environment. It's a journey that reinforces my commitment to leadership and personal development while contributing to the university community.

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