From mentee to mentor: First-Generation Students pay it forward at UCalgary

For many first-generation university students, navigating the complexities of post-secondary education can be daunting. At the University of Calgary, the First-Generation Students Program provides a lifeline, connecting students with mentors who guide them through academic and personal life challenges. 

For two participants, the journey didn’t stop at receiving guidance; they returned to the program as mentors, eager to help others find their footing.

Finding Community as a Mentor

Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Canada, one of the program’s mentors, Imandi Attanayake, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, reflected on the anxiety of beginning university without familial guidance. “Everyone told me in high school, ‘You’ll be on your own,’” says Attanayake. “I worried about finding someone who understood what I was going through and could guide me.”

Attanayake found more than academic advice as a mentee, she built a lasting connection. “My mentor became like an older sibling. Even now, we text, meet for coffee, and stay in touch,” she says. Inspired by her experience, she became a mentor herself, motivated by a desire to pay it forward.

The transition from mentee to mentor gave Attanayake a new sense of responsibility and purpose. “I never realized how much of a responsibility it is. As a mentee, you’re asking questions, but as a mentor, you need to anticipate their needs and be proactive,” she says. Training provided by the program helped her build confidence in her role. “The tips on handling stressful situations and open communication were invaluable.”

“As students engage in mentor training, they have an opportunity to further build community with each other while learning new skills in supporting others,” says Dr. Roxanne Ross, director at the Student Success Centre.

Giving back through mentorship

Another mentor, Jenny Park, originally from South Korea, shares a similar story. Now a second-year civil engineering student, she recalls her early struggles adjusting to university life. Coming from a small high school with just 20 graduates, she felt overwhelmed by the scale and pace of the university. “I didn’t know how to study effectively or make meaningful connections,” she says.

Park's mentor played a crucial role in helping her navigate these challenges. “She gave me practical advice, like taking summer courses to lighten my regular semester workload,” Park says. The guidance eased her stress and improved her academic performance. “It felt like someone was in my corner, rooting for me.”

That experience inspired her to become a mentor. “I wanted to give back to first-generation students because I understood their struggles,” she says. As a mentor, she strives to create a supportive environment where her mentees feel comfortable seeking help. “I want them to know they’re not alone and that they have someone to rely on.”

“As a first-generation student myself, I remember the effort involved in finding people and places to ask questions about university and the important role that peer connections played for me,” Ross says. “Knowing that students’ former experiences as mentees inspire them to step into leadership roles to support new students is exactly what we hope to achieve with First-Generation programming.”

Building a legacy of support

Both Attanayake and Park credit the First-Generation Students Program for shaping their university experiences and helping them grow personally. They have developed leadership, communication and problem-solving skills through their mentorship roles. “Being a mentor has taught me that you don’t need decades of experience to guide someone. It’s about being present and supportive,” said Park.

Both mentors emphasize the importance of mentorship for first-generation students. “It’s not just about academics. It’s about having someone who knows how stressful midterms are or how to bounce back from a bad grade,” says Park.  

Park echoed this sentiment. “Joining this program, whether as a mentee or a mentor, is invaluable. It keeps you on track and gives you a sense of purpose.”

“This program creates pathways and opportunities for individuals striving to navigate their way and discover a clear direction,” said Dr. Amy Dambrowitz, registrar. 

For both students, the decision to give back was a natural progression. Their experiences as mentees helped them succeed and inspired them to help others thrive. As mentors, they hope to leave a lasting impact on their mentees, equipping them with the confidence and tools to succeed in university and beyond.

Looking Ahead

The First-Generation Students Program exemplifies UCalgary’s commitment to supporting diverse student populations and fulfils one of the aim of its Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan to increase access to meaningful and future-focused education with the goal of educating transformative leaders. By nurturing a culture of mentorship, the program empowers students to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their goals.

“Programs like this are vital,” says Park. “They provide a guiding hand for students who might otherwise feel lost.”

For Park, the legacy of the program is clear: “It’s about creating a chain of support. Someone helped me; now it’s my turn to help someone else. That’s how we all succeed.”