Defne-Muhtar Kent Educational Foundation

Peer Mentor

Position Overview

  • Role: Peer Mentor

  • Location: High School (Türkiye)

  • Objective: Assist high school students with goal setting, academic support, and personal development.

Program Description

  • Foundation Initiative: Collaborated with fellow scholars from Purdue University, Princeton University, and Michigan State University in a mentorship program during summer break in Türkiye.

  • Focus: Guided 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students through university preparation processes.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Provided insights on university education abroad, life experiences, and application processes.

Individual Mentorship

  • Student Success Stories:

    • Case 1: Mentored a student preparing for university exams in Türkiye. Held bi-weekly Zoom meetings focusing on chemistry, math, and biology. Developed personalized teaching materials and conducted practice sessions, leading to the student's significant improvement in problem-solving skills.

    • Case 2: Guided another student in setting lifestyle goals, including exercise, healthy eating, and skill development in coding. Shared personal experiences to keep them motivated and focused.

Mentorship Approach

  • Goal Setting: Helped students set realistic and achievable goals.

  • Academic Support: Tailored study sessions to individual needs, enhancing their understanding in challenging subjects.

  • Personal Development: Encouraged holistic growth by advising on extracurricular activities and healthy lifestyle choices.

Skills and Impact

  • Teaching and Communication: Harnessed effective teaching strategies and clear communication to explain complex concepts.

  • Empathy and Guidance: Demonstrated understanding and provided guidance tailored to each student's unique challenges and aspirations.

  • Goal Achievement: Successfully aided students in academic improvement and personal development, as evidenced by their progress and achievements.

Reflection and Personal Growth

  • Leadership Skills: Developed leadership and mentorship abilities through direct student engagement.

  • Cultural Exchange: Enhanced cross-cultural communication skills and understanding through diverse student interactions.

  • Career Aspirations: Solidified interest in education, mentorship, and personal development fields.