Mentoring university students through the Global Mentorship Initiative is a rewarding experience. As a Co-Active Coach and Narrative Guide, mentoring has become a powerful space for my own growth. I am discovering that mentoring is not just for my clients alone. It is an enriching relationship that goes both ways. And the more I do it, the more I am becoming better at a lot of things. Here are 6 valuable lessons I am learning from mentoring university students.
6 Valuable Lessons I’m Learning from Mentoring University Students
- The power of Active Listening
Active listening is the cornerstone of my work as a Co-Active Coach. It is not just about listening to the words that are being said. It is listening to what lies within the emotions, the energy, and the unspoken narrative.
When I listen to a student, I’m listening for the underlying story, beyond what they are saying. What I am listening for is the story they’re telling themselves. Let me give you an example. A student could be talking about a difficult class, but underneath there is a story of struggle, fear or maybe even self-doubt. My role as a mentor isn’t to fix the story, but to help them to discover a more empowering perspective.
2. Patience unlocks full potential
In coaching, we meet clients where they are. The same is true for a mentoring relationship. A student’s learning journey is their own unique narrative. It has its own pace, twists and turns that are filled with treasure and value.
As a Co-Active Coach, I’ve learned to hold a space for that process. As I listen and engage, I trust that they have the answers within them. And by doing so, I learn that patience is a key that can lock their full potential.
3. Mentoring is a two-way street
Working as a narrative coach has taught me that every person is an expert of their own life story. I am learning that my mentees aren’t a blank canvas that calls for my paint brush, in terms of my opinions.
I am learning that each mentee brings their own experiences and perspectives. It is these perspectives that enriches our conversations. It is from there that I learn to let go of my assumptions and biasness. It also enables me to write a new chapter in my ongoing learning, at a personal and professional level.
4. The power of empathy
Mentoring university students is built on a solid foundation of empathy. As a mentor, I strive to understand the full context of my mentee’s life. Thanks to my role as a university student mentor, I am able to walk into their shoes. I am able to see the impact of personal challenges, academic pressures and external expectations that can shape individual narratives. By seeing the world through their eyes, I can offer more authentic and meaningful support.
This is also what enables me to hold space for individuals who are facing extreme trauma or stigma. As a result, witnessing the impact of trauma is empowering me to become a channel of healing.
5. Small wins matter
As a university student mentor, I am recognizing the value of celebrating small wins. While small steps might seem insignificant, they are the foundations of success. Small wins are the crucial steps that build momentum.
I encourage my mentees to recognize these moments as milestones. These are not just victories, but powerful evidence of momentum. In turn, a mentee is able to see that they are the architects of their own success stories.
6. Embracing a growth mindset
A growth mindset is the ultimate narrative that I help mentees to create for themselves. This is the belief that their story isn’t yet written and they have the power to shape its outcome. This enables them to take full responsibility of their personal growth, one step at a time. And by being aware of this, they have the agency to shape their desired outcome.
My role is to help mentees to identify their strengths and reframe setbacks as valuable learning opportunities. Using my skills as a mentor, I champion my mentees to live with purpose and resourcefulness.
Final thoughts on mentoring university students
This list of 6 valuable lessons I’m learning from mentoring university students is not exhaustive. However, it is the foundation of my mentoring and coaching practice. My journey as a Global Mentorship Initiative mentor, is showing me that true growth—for both my mentees and myself—happens when we lean into the lessons of empathy, patience, and celebrating every small win.
These are the same principles that guide my professional practice. As a coach, I’m here to help you to navigate your own narrative and find the momentum to achieve your goals. Let me know in the comments section which lesson resonates with you the most.