National Mentoring Month: IUPUI peer mentors share their experiences

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate and to recognize peer and professional mentors across campus. Learn more below about the outstanding efforts of seven peer mentors from across the Division of Undergraduate Education.

Peer mentor, Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program

Jenny, a senior at IUPUI and former Ivy Tech student, became a participant in the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program. After a year, she became a mentor for incoming scholars. 

Jenny said: “My mentor had been such a rock for me during my first year, I wanted to pass on that kind of help to others. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed when I think of all the people in the world who could use some help. Being a mentor for other scholars is a small, yet undeniable, way for me to make a difference in the world. I can think of no better way to spend my life than by helping others.”

Pratik Devnani

Peer mentor, Mathematics Assistance Center

Pratik is a finance major and a sophomore at IUPUI. He has worked as a mentor in the Mathematics Assistance Center and the Bepko Learning Center. During his time as a mentor, he has appreciated the opportunity to serve others. 

Pratik explained: “Personally, mentoring has always been a platform that enabled me to embody all the values of servant leadership and to serve generously. Mentoring plays a huge role in my life—not only does it help me contribute to making others better, but throughout my life, it has shaped my values, my purpose, and my desire to keep getting better at what I do.”

Anna Mathew

Peer mentor, Bepko Learning Center

Anna is an IUPUI senior studying psychology. She began her mentoring career with the Bepko Learning Center in spring 2018 as an academic success coach, providing guidance to students pursuing their goals and introducing them to academic success strategies. Anna transitioned into a student coordinator leadership position in fall 2018 where she has played a major role organizing and editing content for the IUPUI Mentoring Bulletin.

Anna stated: “In the last two years, mentoring has taught me to keep learning and growing everywhere I go. It has taught me the value of the people around me. I'm so grateful to the Bepko Learning Center for always encouraging me and supporting me!”

Peer mentor, Office of Student Transitions and Mentor Initiatives

Michael has served the Office of Student Transitions and Mentor Initiatives as both a summer orientation leader and first-year seminar mentor. He has worked as an OTEAM member for the past year while pursuing his marketing degree. Michael has developed leadership and decision-making skills since becoming a mentor. 

Michael said: “Once I joined OTEAM, I found myself becoming more and more confident in my decision-making skills. It gave me the push I needed and the development of various skills such as effective communication, leadership, creativity, and enhanced intrapersonal skills.”

Peer mentor, THRIVE program

As a peer mentor and leader in the THRIVE community this year, Sunshine has been able to share her own experience, learning, and growth about her college transition with her mentees. She supports her mentees with compassion and insight as she coaches her students. Through her work and as part of the team, Sunshine has had an uplifting and transformative impact in her students’ lives.

Sunshine stated: "With any topic, if you can teach it well, you probably know it really well. I didn’t really feel or know that when I first became a mentor for THRIVE, but I see that by becoming a mentor I have been given the opportunity to teach what I’ve learned in the program. As I’m doing that, I learn more and more each day about myself, others, and my interactions with others."

Peer mentor, 21st Century Scholars

Yabsira is a first-generation college student and a senior in pursuit of an exercise science and nursing degree. He loves to use his expertise and knowledge to help those who need it and continues to inspire those around him. 

Yabsira shared: “My top interest is personal development and to inspire others around me to do the same and become the best person they can become. Being a 21st Century Scholar peer mentor has raised me to think at a higher level and gave me the courage to take multiple steps forward and one step closer to the person who I wish to become in the near future.”