If you asked me to cast a vote, I would have voted Joy and I in the “least likely” to be friends’ category, because we were different. Although Joy may beg to differ, I’d like to think of myself as the sweet vanilla cream you add to your all-black coffee and Joy was well, the black coffee – no sugar. Little did I know that this black coffee (coughs -Joy) would turn out to be the best peer mentor and an incredible friend that I never knew I needed.
After two years in clinical practice, I realized it wasn’t my calling. My heart leaned towards a different type of research – public health. I met Joy when we worked together as interns at Helpman Development Institute, a research organization aligned with my interests. My first few weeks as an intern was a haze to me; I felt like fish out of water. First, I resumed a week later than my colleagues. Second, I knew next to nothing about anything. I thought that I would fake it till I made it, until I realized that there was no faking it out of this one. That’s when Joy stepped into the picture, and our friendship blossomed as we were paired to work on a project together.
Now, let’s get back to our main gist! On your journey to find a mentor, you absolutely need a “Joy.” What does that mean? A “Joy” is that peer mentor who although you are peers based off some vague or elicit criteria, teaches, and guides you to being a better version of yourself. When we were tasked with delivering a course on data visualization using Tableau, I was a novice. Joy displayed incredible patience as we navigated the classes together. Despite causing a few delays with my lack of Tableau expertise, Joy held my hand with unwavering patience and encouragement during our Tableau sessions. One of our most memorable conversations took place during our teacher training sessions.
You need a Joy – a mentor who breathes life into your aspirations and walks you through the same paths they once travelled, without a hint of insecurity. Joy was so secure in her identity that she happily lit my candle, knowing that we could both shine brightly together. I had dreams of pursuing graduate school abroad, and when I met Joy, she was already well-advanced on this path. Joy generously shared her notebooks, strategies, and even helped me prepare for my English Testing Exam. The joy on her face when I shared my band score of 8.0 out of 10 was priceless.
You need a Joy – a mentor who isn’t afraid to acknowledge your struggles and offer a guiding hand. Joy played a pivotal role in editing all my essays and even assisted in crafting my first email to graduate school. Not once did I feel like I was being judged for not knowing something. No question was too silly for Joy, and none was too straightforward for her.
You need a Joy – a mentor that will open doors for you. When I won the Chevening scholarship to study at the University of York, guess who was so excited for me? Joy! At this time, Joy was wrapping up her graduate studies at the University of Surrey. On landing the famous Heathrow Airport during my first sojourn as an international student. Guess who came all the way from Surrey (about an hour’s journey) to pick me up? Joy! She not only gave me a warm reception but also sorted me out with my first set of winter coats. She gave me tips for studying abroad, gave me my first Pizza (lol) and of course guided me to becoming an International Student Ambassador at the University of York. Yes, you read that right – Joy did all that!
Okay, by now, you might be wondering if she was the black coffee at first, but you get the point. Joy wasn’t just a friend; she was a peer mentor who, every time I interacted with her, inspired me to believe that I could be a better version of myself. In moments of self-doubt, Joy reminded me, “You’re smart, and you deserve to be here!” You need a Joy; go find one, and most importantly, strive to become one.
Till you read from me again, get on your search!
Written By Chidinma Oli