Testimonial by mentor Melissa Myles
I have been a member of the Achiever’s Club since 2018, after a friend and I joined after seeing a Facebook post about the club seeking new mentors. During this time, I have had the privilege of mentoring three different students regularly and assisting others as needed. Each experience has been rewarding, but the relationship I have developed with my current student, Maryam, is particularly special.
My student and I first became partners in 2021, and I have witnessed her transformation from a reluctant Year 6 student who struggled with schoolwork and motivation to the focused and mature teenager she is today, actively seeking help with specific topics each week.
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Being a mentor has allowed me to assist students academically and serve as a supportive figure who helps them navigate the school system. I have enjoyed guiding them in selecting the right subjects to keep their pathways to tertiary education open and advocating for them when grades are disputed. This role is especially rewarding because many of their families are unfamiliar with the Australian education system.
One conversation with my student/Maryam stands out in my memory. She expressed concern that editing her assignment with me before submission might be considered cheating. When I explained that many students have their parents review their work and assist with research, she was surprised. She shared that her mother often lacks the time or English proficiency to help her. This moment highlighted the disparities between the lives of our Achiever’s Club members and their peers and how the Achiever’s Club strives to make it just a little bit more of an even playing field.
In 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions prevented us from meeting in person, I gained insight into my then student’s home life. Every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we connected via Zoom to work on her homework and check in on her progress. Each week, she would email me to confirm our session, and she would log in right on time, ready to learn. While she tackled spelling, mathematics, and research on the Australian political system, I learned about her remarkable responsibility—she was caring for her two-year-old sister while her mother worked. Despite a full day at school, she remained committed to our sessions whilst she juggled her household chores. The dedication our students show by giving up an additional two hours each week to work with their mentors is truly admirable and reflects their eagerness to learn.
As an Assistant Principal in a primary school, I have experience and understanding of the education system. Despite spending my weekdays teaching, I eagerly anticipate Saturday mornings at the Achiever’s Club. The relationships we build with our mentees are unique and invaluable, offering experiences that extend beyond traditional schooling. While we volunteer to support their learning, they, in turn, teach us about persistence, resilience, and dedication.