Volunteer Mentor Review

My role follows the timetable of a typical school day (8am - 4pm). In the mornings, before Period 1 starts, I am involved in helping out at the breakfast club. Throughout the day, I attend a few lessons with my assigned students (with whom I work with), helping them in class with any work. Along side this, we have meetings outside of lessons (usually 1-to-1) focusing on setting positive SMART goals, so the students can improve both their curriculum and social-emotional learning. Additionally, on occasions, we organise afterschool clubs, where we being awareness of current issues in society today.

Working as a Volunteer Mentor, I have definitely improved my leadership and communication skills, as everyday involves speaking with a variety of students and guiding them on a positive path. Likewise, I have further developed my team working skills through being with other mentors at my school. By getting to each lesson on time, in a prepared manner, has helped with improving my time-management.

Yes. Working with my own students allowed me to create different action plans and set personal goals. Therefore, there is responsibility in ensuring these students receive advice and support, which not only affects them currently, but also in the future. We are expected to help out in various clubs and duties during both break and lunch time. Furthermore, during our training days, we were given assignments to complete to help further develop our understanding of mentoring/coaching and being in a leadership, managerial role.

On regular occasions, we had Impact Officers (supervisors) who would be present in the school. Here, they were able to provide support depending on our concerns that day. Alternatively, on the days where we didn't have any supervisor at school, we were still able to stay in contact with them for guidance. We were also assigned with external workers (bridgebuilders) who helped develop our personal skills. For instance, public speaking or CVs.

Overall, the atmosphere was all friendly and comfortable. Most mentors are of similar age, and therefore allowed for connections to be quickly built between each other. The company have stuck by their values and missions with how they are able to support students in and out of lessons.

I have definitely grown in this placement. It has helped develop my skill set further, and has made me more confident to take risks/opportunities outside of my comfort zone. I have enjoyed my placement, connecting with many other mentors, and also building great relationships with the students. I am grateful for the many, different opportunities City Year have to offer.

Yes

It can be quite challenging and demanding, and therefore try to enjoy your entire time at City Year. It is a great learning opportunity to teach others, but also to be taught some new things. Take every chance given, which would help develop yourself, as it will be worth it in the long run. Make meaningful memories at school, and leave your mark on the students through building strong connections with them.