Stephen Webb, CIG (Great Britain) Ltd
I chose to be a mentor because I feel that nowadays it is more difficult for students to gain an insight into the working environment and to have someone they can turn to who is independent of college, home and everyday life. I also feel I have life skills and experience to share.
My student was very shy and one of the best bits was getting over this barrier, particularly as he is profoundly deaf, his first language being British Sign Language. It really tested my signing skills, but as our communication grew we began to gel, with him understanding me better and vice versa.
The worst bit was time, fitting it in, but I would do it again in an instant.
I would advise other mentors to do what you say you are going to do and make sure you keep your appointments. Students are adults, respect them as such. They absorb information and love to feel involved.
I met a very nice shy young man who at first would only give “yes” or “no” answers, but who eventually turned into a person I could have a conversation with.
He helped me to see some of the problems a deaf person has to face and how difficult it was for him to do things we take for granted. I always thought I was aware of this kind of thing until I experienced it first hand.”
I chose to be a mentor because I feel that nowadays it is more difficult for students to gain an insight into the working environment and to have someone they can turn to who is independent of college, home and everyday life. I also feel I have life skills and experience to share.
My student was very shy and one of the best bits was getting over this barrier, particularly as he is profoundly deaf, his first language being British Sign Language. It really tested my signing skills, but as our communication grew we began to gel, with him understanding me better and vice versa.
The worst bit was time, fitting it in, but I would do it again in an instant.
I would advise other mentors to do what you say you are going to do and make sure you keep your appointments. Students are adults, respect them as such. They absorb information and love to feel involved.
I met a very nice shy young man who at first would only give "yes" or "no" answers, but who eventually turned into a person I could have a conversation with.
He helped me to see some of the problems a deaf person has to face and how difficult it was for him to do things we take for granted. I always thought I was aware of this kind of thing until I experienced it first hand."
