Learn how your mentor can make all the difference in your student experience
Think back to when you first joined BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Maybe you weren't sure where to begin, how to register for courses, or who to ask for help. Or perhaps you're further along in your school journey, struggling to stay motivated, manage your time well, or balance school with work and family responsibilities.
Whatever stage of the journey you're in, you don't have to navigate it alone. That's why BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides mentors .
What a mentor can do for you
While BYU-Pathway Support agents can assist with technical issues, mentors are there to help you navigate the student experience. Whether you need help finding the right resources, making a decision, or staying on track, mentors can help you make a plan when you’re not sure what to do next.
Your mentor doesn’t just share information; they share experience.
When one student was about to drop a religion course after missing several gatherings, she reached out to her mentor, Roy Salazar Pama from the Philippines. Instead of immediately agreeing that she drop it, he encouraged her to communicate with her instructor and explain her progress.
With Roy’s guidance and support, the student was given another chance to complete the course and made a plan to attend her remaining gatherings. She finished strong, feeling relieved and motivated to keep going.
“There’s so much credibility gained by sincerely having someone who has been through the very same process,” said BYU-Pathway mentoring manager Kelly Richardson.
See your mentor as a friend
Your mentor can become someone you trust, not just someone who answers questions.
When Zariah Inniss from Barbados started as a student, she often wished she had a friend to guide her.
“I know, for me, when things got really tough, it would have been nice to have someone to help me find a solution,” she said.
Now she is striving to be the kind of mentor her students can rely on. She checks in, listens, and looks for ways to support her students both academically and spiritually.
Over time, those small efforts make a difference. When a student shared they were struggling spiritually, Zariah asked thoughtful questions that helped the student take small steps forward and feel closer to God.
“There’s a friend in me,” Zariah said, “and not just someone they run to if they have a problem.”
Make the most of your mentorship
A mentor relationship works both ways. Your mentor will always be there to help, but your effort matters too! Here are a few simple ways you can build a stronger connection with your mentor:
- Share your goals and study habits in your first meeting together
- Choose how you prefer to stay in contact (Companion app, text, WhatsApp, call, or video)
- Connect at least three times each block
- Set both academic and personal goals together
- Reach out early, before things feel urgent
Your mentor is only a message away
When you feel like you don’t know who to ask for help, your mentor is ready to guide you. Reach out and begin a conversation with your mentor today. You might be surprised how much it helps!
Learn how to contact your mentor and get the support you need.