Personal background
My name is Alyssa Thomas DeCruz, I am a 3rd year PhD researcher at the London Centre for Nanotechnology working on the development of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Teaching and mentoring have always been enjoyable activities for me, and focusing on young people from a refugee background allows me to give back to the community and support individuals who may face unique challenges when adapting to a new environment.
Joining Bridging the Future
I became aware of the Bridging the Future online mentoring programme from colleagues who had established it. My motivation for volunteering as a mentor for this programme stems from my passion for teaching and mentoring in STEM subjects. I wanted to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, especially those from refugee backgrounds who may face additional challenges. Additionally, I wanted to offer guidance and support in other areas, such as career paths and alternative education or work opportunities, as I believe these aspects are crucial for these young adults and can benefit from an experienced mentor’s perspective.
Online mentoring experience
In my approach to mentoring, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where my students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their thoughts and ideas, and expressing any concerns they may have. I also aim to be a good listener and provide constructive feedback that instils confidence in their abilities.
Some of the main challenges my students faced included language barriers, limited access to resources, and difficulty balancing academic demands with personal obligations. To help them overcome these challenges, I used various strategies, such as providing additional explanations, examples, and highlighting the key terms in verbose questions to overcome the language barrier. Additionally, I emphasised the importance of self-care and encouraged them to seek out additional resources and support when needed.
Programme impact
In my opinion, the Bridging the Future programme has impacted the lives of students by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for learning and growth. The programme has helped these students to see the possibilities that are available to them and feel empowered to pursue their goals. Through our mentoring sessions, I have seen these students gain confidence in their abilities and develop a stronger sense of direction and purpose. I believe the programme has also helped to expand their horizons and broaden their perspectives, opening up new educational and career pathways that they may not have previously considered.
Personal growth as a mentor
My experience as a mentor in Bridging the Future has been an enriching experience contributing to significant personal growth, allowing me to develop my communication and cultural sensitivity skills. It has provided a chance to learn from the mentees’ unique perspectives and experiences, gaining insight into the challenges faced when making decisions about pursuing higher education or deciding on career paths. Additionally, it has allowed me to become a highly adaptable mentor. With limited knowledge of where they are at in their academic curriculum, it can be challenging to plan lessons that cater to their specific needs. Instead, I developed skills to think on my feet, become more flexible and resourceful, and learnt to adjust my teaching approach accordingly.
Challenges faced by refugees
My experience mentoring refugees has given me a deeper understanding of the barriers they face in accessing education, particularly with regards to funding. I have come to appreciate the many opportunities that are available to these students, but also the challenges that come with trying to access them. Many training programmes and applications require fees that these students are unable to pay, which creates an additional hurdle in their educational journey. As a result, they often have to seek out support and scholarships, which can be time-consuming and require navigating multiple different application deadlines and response timelines. This experience has reinforced the importance of providing additional support and resources to help these students overcome these challenges and achieve their educational goals.
Advice to future mentors
My advice would be to approach the role with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It is important to take the time to really listen to the students’ needs and to be adaptable in your approach to mentoring. It is important to show patience and compassion, as the students may be dealing with a range of challenges and emotions related to their refugee experience. Finally, I would encourage mentors to be creative and resourceful in finding ways to engage and support their students, and to always keep the students’ best interests and aspirations in mind.
