What is a Mentor?
The First Foundation Mentor role is a critical pillar in
the Scholarship programme. A Mentor's key role is to walk alongside
their Scholar and to be a guide, coach, advisor, sounding board,
friend, role model, and listener to help them achieve their
goals over the life of the Scholarship.
The most critical aspect of the First Foundation Mentor's role
is assisting the Scholar to manage a number of major
transitions they face during their 4 year scholarship:
- navigating their final year at high school and the many
pressures that year brings
- their transition into the work environment of the Scholarship
Partner
- planning for and managing the transition from school into their
first year at university
- helping them "last the distance" during their subsequent years
at university
- generally helping support them on a personal and professional
level as they move to adulthood in what has to be one of the most
significant periods in their lives.
Our Mentors help their Scholar in many ways
including:
- providing practical guidance and advice on course and
career choices,
- by exposure and links to new experiences through their
professional contacts
- advice on working in the Scholarship Partner
environment
- assistance with goal setting, prioritising, and work-life
balance
- establishing and maintaining a savings plan
- generally being a good friend to support them when the
going gets tough