Key Qualities of a Peer Mentor for a Post-Pandemic World

Key Qualities of a Peer Mentor for a Post-Pandemic World

 

Positive peer influence can transform the lives of younger students. However, it is possible to make such peer influences even more positive when older students have been trained as peer mentors. They receive lifelong skills which will assist them during their careers and, in all likelihood, will help them develop their resiliency.  When one considers some of the key qualities of a peer mentor, it is not difficult to understand how trained peer mentors can positively impact their communities.

 

  • a role model – someone who leads by example
  • selflessness
  • honesty
  • good communication skills: the ability to listen, empathize, understand, question, clarify and give constructive feedback
  • understand the importance of writing down and setting specific, measurable, intentional, limited, extending and realistic (S.M.I.L.E.R.) goals, while making goal-getting a fun experience
  • a sincere interest in the well-being of their students
  • the ability to motivate and inspire
  • the desire to make a positive difference in another’s life
  • patience
  • sound management of time skills
  • being approachable, tolerant, flexible and open-minded
  • being a positive team member
  • empathy i.e. the willingness to put oneself in another’s shoes, trying to see things from their perspective
  • respect (self-respect and respect for others)
  • tolerance for others and their viewpoints
  • knowing one’s limitations and when and how to be vulnerable