Interview Mahatama

Interview with Mahatama Uppal

Mahatama: Hi, my name is Mahatama Uppal, I am mentoring in the Education, Law and Social Science Faculty

Jamie: So why did you get involved with the scheme?

Mahatama: I just thought it was an unusual innovative scheme and I thought it would be a challenge to get involved. I also feel like it’s got great potential which is why I got involved for a new challenge.

Jamie: ok so how have you found working on the scheme so far?

Mahatama: It’s been initially very challenging, it’s the time of the year that it started. Inevitably, student engagement was going to be very low with exams and timetables coming up. But having met with my academic tutor we have discussed and started to develop a structure for the up and coming year.

Jamie: ok so in terms of your academic tutor how has that relationship been?

Mahatama: oh it has been fantastic, it’s been really helpful, I did know him from previous years but I now know him on a professional level as well. I’ve learnt a lot from him.

Jamie: How has the relationship with your mentees been? Have you had any yet?

Mahatama: In particular I’ve not had specific mentees, as I’ve just started session and questionnaires, but I am currently planning them.

Jamie: So can you briefly describe some of the things you have been doing?

Mahatama: Sure, initially I started to go through a register of the students, trying to look at irregular 

attendees and then contacting them using the figures. Then I was starting to develop a plan for the upcoming years in the Law faculty in particular. I’ve also been working with two transition projects talking about the STAMP scheme today and giving help to the students.

Jamie: ok so what are the benefits for you?

Mahatama: Erm, huge benefits. Practical skills, communication skills, cross year integration and how to work as a team.

Jamie: What do you feel you have achieved throughout the process so far?

Mahatama: I think it goes back towards the benefits. I’ve learnt a lot of new skills, obviously increasing my employability but I think I’m also doing something meaningful that actually makes a difference.

Jamie: Ok. That’s brilliant. What do you hope to achieve over the coming weeks?

Mahatama: I hope to get a clear structure created for the up and coming mentors so they don’t have the problems we have encountered.

Jamie: What specific skills do you feel you have gained so far?

Mahatama: Specifically I would say team working, working closely with academic staff as equals rather than having the age bracket. Communication skills and I think I can manage time and work better now.

Jamie: What skills do you wish to gain?

Mahatama: Wish to gain? At the start or..?

Jamie: Maybe focus on skills you would like to have by the end of the scheme?

Mahatama: That’s quite a hard question.

Jamie: ok. We can come back to that one at the end.

Mahatama: ok then.

Jamie: What difficulties have you come across so far?

Mahatama: Initially it was the struggle to pinpoint what was actually required and how to go about it. Obviously the challenge was introducing mentees to the scheme as well.

Jamie: Do you feel that you have helped students?

Mahatama: I think by attending the two transition days I have organised and just giving them a general insight. I have another one coming up tomorrow, hopefully that will be more engaging for them because they have picked similar modules to what I have done. So I can just spread the word that I am here and share my experiences.

Jamie: How have you gone about planning your sessions?

Mahatama: Err. It’s initially started with contact from my tutor, where I would meet with them and other members of staff or module co-ordinators and members of the health team. They all chip in with advice to help me plan the content of my sessions.

Jamie: So what resources have you used so far?

Mahatama: I’ve been using excel, the blog to upload my thoughts and what we have planned.

Jamie: have you used any of the ideas from the induction sessions such as the handbook?

Mahatama: Oh, yes, I’ve used the handbook regularly. It’s been very useful. Getting contacts and using the information in it to incorporate into my sessions.

Jamie: What are you most proud of so far?

Mahatama: The fact that I’ve actually stood up and talked in front of 100 students and gave a presentation.

Jamie: Is there anything you can think of to improve the scheme?

Mahatama: Err... I think there needs to be clearer guidance which will come if you start the scheme at the beginning of the academic year.

Jamie: Would you recommend the scheme to other students?

Mahatama: yes definitely, I think it creates a more relaxed atmosphere speaking to a fellow student and it helps in more ways than you can think.

Jamie: Has your attitude towards University life changed since becoming part of the scheme?

Mahatama: Yes. It opens your eyes up to various faculties and departments and staff and the works that they do instead of seeing it from a student perspective. I feel more part of a community and an equal partnership.

Jamie: Back to that question. What do you wish to gain from this experience?

Mahatama: Employability in the future. I also want to make a difference to the University where I have studied.

Jamie: Do you feel as though you will achieve your goals through this scheme?

Mahatama: Yes, Definitely.