More Than Just a Mentor<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nBeing a peer mentor isn’t about checking boxes or adding something to my resume\u2014it’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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why It Matters<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nI still remember exactly how it felt being on the other side\u2014constantly 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.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.temple.edu\/owltopia\/files\/2025\/10\/volleyball-fixed-edited.png\")
Moulishka and her mentees at a volleyball game!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing Together<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe crazy thing about mentoring\u2014I’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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014by paying it forward, one person at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBy Moulishka Sawant, CST \u201827, Peer2Peer Mentor
Photos provided by Moulishka Sawant<\/em>
Header photo at an International Coffee Hour<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When I first got to Temple, everything felt huge\u2014new faces everywhere, buildings I couldn’t navigate, and a whole different way of living. It was super…<\/p>\n
I still remember exactly how it felt being on the other side\u2014constantly 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.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing Together<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe crazy thing about mentoring\u2014I’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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014by paying it forward, one person at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBy Moulishka Sawant, CST \u201827, Peer2Peer Mentor
Photos provided by Moulishka Sawant<\/em>
Header photo at an International Coffee Hour<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When I first got to Temple, everything felt huge\u2014new faces everywhere, buildings I couldn’t navigate, and a whole different way of living. It was super…<\/p>\n
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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Moulishka Sawant, CST \u201827, Peer2Peer Mentor <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When I first got to Temple, everything felt huge\u2014new faces everywhere, buildings I couldn’t navigate, and a whole different way of living. It was super…<\/p>\n
Photos provided by Moulishka Sawant<\/em>
Header photo at an International Coffee Hour<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n