When I first got to Temple, everything felt huge—new faces everywhere, buildings I couldn’t navigate, and a whole different way of living. It was super exciting but also terrifying if I’m being honest. Trying to balance classes, adjust to a new country, and find my people was A LOT to handle all at once.
But I got lucky. There were people at Temple who had my back—answering my million questions (even the dumb ones), grabbing coffee with me between classes when I looked lost, and just being someone familiar when everything else felt strange. Now I’m on the other side as a peer mentor in International Student Affairs’ Peer2Peer program, and it feels awesome to be that person for someone else.
More Than Just a Mentor
Being a peer mentor isn’t about checking boxes or adding something to my resume—it’s about actually showing up and making real connections. I want to make sure nobody feels like they’re dealing with everything alone like I sometimes did.
Some of my favorite moments have been watching my mentees grow in confidence, even simple stuff like seeing them make their first real friends here.
I love hearing their stories from home, laughing about weird American customs they don’t get (“Why do you guys put ice in EVERYTHING?’), and being the person they text at 11 pm asking where to get the best late-night food near campus (Insomnia Cookies or The Dining Hall, depending on what you’re craving!).
Why It Matters
I still remember exactly how it felt being on the other side—constantly wondering if I was doing things right, if I was the only one struggling to adjust, if I’d ever feel like I belonged here. That’s why being a mentor matters so much to me now. Sometimes all you need is someone who gets it, who’s been through it, who can say “yeah, that part is weird, but trust me, it gets better.”
One of my mentees was seriously considering transferring schools after his first month because he felt so isolated. We started hanging out more, I introduced him to some clubs, and now he’s more involved on campus than I am! That’s the stuff that makes all the time and effort worth it.
Growing Together
The crazy thing about mentoring—I’m learning just as much as my mentees are. Every mentee teaches me something new, whether it’s patience, a different way of looking at a problem, or literal new skills.
Sometimes my mentees come up with solutions I’d never think of. When one was struggling with homesickness, instead of my usual advice, she suggested starting a weekly cooking night where everyone makes dishes from home. It turned into this amazing tradition that brought together students from 10 different countries!
And honestly, the absolute best part is watching former mentees become mentors themselves. Three of mine are signing up for the program next semester! That’s how we build something that lasts—by paying it forward, one person at a time.
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Not even for free tuition (okay, maybe for free tuition, but it would be a tough choice!).
By Moulishka Sawant, CST ‘27, Peer2Peer Mentor
Photos provided by Moulishka Sawant