I have worked twice as a transition mentor, which is a role I undertook for the sheer enjoyment of it. While it was a paid role, the actual remuneration was minimal - paying less than my bread-money job in a coffee shop. I consider myself to be richer in other ways - experience and enjoyment count for a lot!
I thought I would share some of the welfare wisdom I have learned in this role with you - it applies to life, as well as to freshers.
1. Plan everything early to save time later.
Essays, shopping - everything can be made more efficient by a small amount of prior thought. You'll save money and stress later.
2. Socialise.
Your friends and family are the most important tools you have to get through anything in life.
3. A small apology goes a long way - even when the mistake is big.
4. When the apology is not forthcoming - take the moral high ground and move on.
After all, you get the best view from which to launch your projectile. (I'm just kidding!)
5. Press this button, and regularly.
6. Be kind to yourself.
Eat that cake, you deserve it dammit.
7. (For languages students). SIT DOWN AND LEARN YOUR VOCABULARY.
8. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, but who know when to stop and listen to what you've got to say.
9. Avoid those who will deliberately seek to cut you down at every opportunity.
You are worth more than that. While we all disagree on things from time to time, when someone continually refuses to see your point of view, who is deliberately pedantic to the point where you can spend no more than an hour with them without conjuring up ways in your head to mute them permanently, it's time to have a break.
10. Listen to your favourite music. Daily.
11. Embrace others' cultures and lifestyle choices. You might learn something.
(I should really do better at this).
12. Some things are not a lifestyle choice. Again, you may learn something.
13. Superstition does not work when it comes to exams. Lucky socks will not get you that First.
Which is why I am deliberately leaving this on number #13.
Let the carnage begin.
I thought I would share some of the welfare wisdom I have learned in this role with you - it applies to life, as well as to freshers.
1. Plan everything early to save time later.
Essays, shopping - everything can be made more efficient by a small amount of prior thought. You'll save money and stress later.
2. Socialise.
Your friends and family are the most important tools you have to get through anything in life.
3. A small apology goes a long way - even when the mistake is big.
4. When the apology is not forthcoming - take the moral high ground and move on.
After all, you get the best view from which to launch your projectile. (I'm just kidding!)
5. Press this button, and regularly.
6. Be kind to yourself.
Eat that cake, you deserve it dammit.
7. (For languages students). SIT DOWN AND LEARN YOUR VOCABULARY.
8. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, but who know when to stop and listen to what you've got to say.
9. Avoid those who will deliberately seek to cut you down at every opportunity.
You are worth more than that. While we all disagree on things from time to time, when someone continually refuses to see your point of view, who is deliberately pedantic to the point where you can spend no more than an hour with them without conjuring up ways in your head to mute them permanently, it's time to have a break.
10. Listen to your favourite music. Daily.
11. Embrace others' cultures and lifestyle choices. You might learn something.
(I should really do better at this).
12. Some things are not a lifestyle choice. Again, you may learn something.
13. Superstition does not work when it comes to exams. Lucky socks will not get you that First.
Which is why I am deliberately leaving this on number #13.
Let the carnage begin.
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