A Chat with our Mentors!

There are so many different volunteering opportunities out there, and it’s hard to know what to expect before you get started. We decided to sit down with two of our own volunteer mentors and ask them a few questions about their experience being a volunteering with My Academic Family!

“I’m Sumeet. I’m the CTO for Education Evolved, where we primarily work with higher education researchers and NGOs to transform research into accessible outputs like video games and training simulations. I am also the CTO at Silmaril, an AI consultancy focused on enabling strategic AI adoption and end-to-end integration. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Surrey before moving up to Glasgow in 2022.”

“My name is Tuba, and I am from Pakistan. I recently completed my MRes in International Relations at the University of Glasgow, where my research focused on China’s relational diplomacy in the Middle East. Before coming to Glasgow, I worked in HR and organisational development, which gave me a strong interest in supporting people through transitions, whether academic, professional, or personal. Alongside my studies, I have also been involved in student representation and cultural ambassador work, which has shaped my interest in creating more inclusive and supportive student communities.

I was inspired to become a mentor because I know how overwhelming it can feel to enter a new academic environment, especially when you are adjusting to a new country, a new education system, or a new stage of life. As someone who has navigated higher education across different contexts, I wanted to offer the kind of reassurance and practical guidance that can make a real difference when someone is just starting out.”

“I had a...for lack of a better word... interesting university experience, with the majority of my studies being ingested through a screen during the height of COVID-19. However, my appreciation for academia truly grew later on, as I engaged with researchers at the University of Glasgow through my professional work. Hearing their passion and discussing the various paths one can take in higher education made me realise how much I wished I had understood those options while I was studying. I want to be able to help other students who are in the shoes I once wore, giving them the information and guidance I wish I had.”

“I supported my mentee with settling into university life, understanding academic expectations, building confidence, and thinking about future study or career goals. We also spoke about practical things, such as how to approach university systems, communicate with staff, and make the most of available support. We talked a bit about her confidence in spoken English and her gradual confidence about speaking up in class. Altogether most of our sessions were about helping her feel more comfortable and confident in navigating university life.”

“We started out discussing the general university experience, including how to balance studies, work, and a social life, as well as how to build networks and join student societies. Lately, we have also focused a fair bit on exploring internship opportunities and navigating the preparation process for them.

The standout moment has been following my mentee’s journey toward securing the exact internship they had been searching for. The process definitely had its ups and downs, but I am incredibly proud of their effort and final accomplishment. Here’s to many more opportunities ahead for them!”

“My mentoring experience became memorable by realising that it is not always about having a clear success story or a neat outcome. My mentee was going through quite a lot personally, and after some time, she felt it was better to take a break. Although our mentoring relationship ended earlier than expected, it ended on a positive and respectful note. For me, that was still meaningful because it reminded me that mentoring is also about recognising where someone is in their journey, respecting their needs, and offering support without pressure.

What surprised me most was how much mentoring is a two-way process. I joined the programme hoping to support someone else, but I also learned a lot from the experience. It made me more reflective, patient, and aware of how important small acts of encouragement and understanding can be.”

“[I was surprised by] just how much the smallest details matter. I remember my mentee mentioning how successful they had been after physically mapping out their goals and schedules—which was something I had only briefly suggested in passing. It made me realize that everything you say can have a lasting, positive impact on an individual.

It’s been fantastic. Being a mentor means getting to be in someone’s corner whenever they need support. Structurally, it’s also been incredibly manageable; I've been able to easily balance my professional responsibilities with meeting my mentee on a monthly basis.”

“My experience as a mentor was meaningful, even though it did not follow the typical path I expected. It taught me that mentoring is not always about giving advice or guiding someone towards a specific outcome. Sometimes, it is about listening, being patient, and creating a space where someone feels understood. Even though my mentee eventually decided to take a break, I felt grateful that the experience ended with honesty and mutual respect.

Personally, mentoring has been very fulfilling because it connects with my own values around inclusion, care, and community. Professionally, it has strengthened my communication, listening, and pastoral support skills, which are all important to the kind of work I hope to continue doing in higher education, student support, and policy-related spaces.”

“It has allowed me to step back and take a breath during my busy professional life. Helping someone else navigate their path provides a great sense of perspective and fulfillment outside of my day-to-day work.

It has felt incredibly rewarding to support my mentee, and on a simpler note, I have genuinely just enjoyed our chats. It’s a wonderful experience that I'd highly recommend.”

“I am grateful to be part of My Academic Family because it reflects something I strongly believe in, that access to education is not just about getting into university, but also about feeling supported enough to thrive once you are there. Mentoring has shown me that even a small amount of time, care, and patience can have a meaningful impact on someone’s experience.”

Our mentors are the reason that we are able to keep supporting students throughout their time at university in the way that we do. Their hard work and dedication to helping students from care-experienced, estranged, first-generation, and displaced backgrounds makes university a more fulfilling experience - for everyone involved!