The Magnificence of Mentoring

What is mentoring?

The dictionary defines mentoring as: the act or process of helping and giving advice to a younger or less experienced person, especially in a job or at school. However, here at DESC, we think that this definition of mentoring in no way expresses the extraordinary reach and incomparable benefits, both for the mentor and the person being mentored. As Oprah Winfrey says: “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” 

Many researchers have explored the tangible benefits of mentoring, which is often a subtle and nuanced process. Mentoring has been shown to improve academic performance, increase confidence, sustain further education for a longer period of time (especially in areas of social deprivation) and develop successful social networks. For mentors, the process can be beneficial in developing new skills, lead to a greater satisfaction with life and develop leadership potential.

Recently at DESC, the Year 12 and 13 students were invited to apply for the role of student mentors, with key aspects of this role focussing on: community participation, helping students to improve knowledge and revision skills, and supporting examination preparation. The DESC team were overwhelmed with the number of applications. 53 students applied to be a mentor. 22 students were successful in their applications and I’m sure you will join us in celebrating the sense of community spirit and responsibility of all of the applicants.

The new mentors have a great responsibility and we wish them the very best in their endeavours. The names of the newly appointed Year 12 and 13 mentors are listed below:

Year 12 students

Dina Al Sarayra, Diya Shebeen, Eve Robinson, Gracie Eastwood, Humza Rathore, India Page, Joanne Abraham, Khadija Al Khasab, Laura Farah, Matthew Bradley, Matthew Finnigan, Minaal Ahmed, Nadia Abou Shokka, Saman Mukkaram, Sanya Furquan, Sasha Bahl, Taha Imran, Xian Clark, Zara Wani, Zayaan Mulla  and Zayan Ansari

Year 13 Students

Cydnee (CJ) Howard

Joanne Finley

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg