In general, when students join a university, they are allotted mentors to help them navigate and adapt to the new educational ecosystem. Mentees face various challenges during their university days. Mentors can derive inspiration from nature’s wisdom to guide the mentees in manoeuvring through these challenges.
The first challenge faced by mentees is identity confusion in a new campus, like a young elephant wanting to observe, imitate, and wander safely. At this point, the mentor plays more of a role-model, leading the mentee along a new, unexplored path (programme). Like a matriarch, mentors need to understand that mentees need time, and clarity seeps in slowly after exposure. Guided exploration on which books and references to use is a key need.
Secondly, mentees struggle to bridge the skill–expectation gap, especially in health sciences and technology programmes. In nature, tiger cubs stalk clumsily long before mastering the hunt. Mentors need to emphasize the fact that mastery follows repeated failures. Repeated practice before performance helps mentees ace practical examinations.
Thirdly, some mentees do not want to collaborate with their classmates and prefer to study independently. This resembles the behaviour of a lone wolf separated from the pack, which is generally less productive and more vulnerable. Like an alpha female wolf, mentors have an intentional role in integrating mentees into groups and networks. Peer study groups help mentees overcome anxiety and build the confidence to face examinations.
Fourth, certain mentees show overdependence or learned helplessness, like a baby monkey that clings tightly to its mother (mentor) even when capable of independent movement. A mentor’s role is that of a mother monkey to encourage a needed separation at times to allow independent decision-making. Excessive protection delays independence, and such mentees may become a burden to mentors if not corrected at the appropriate time.
Fifth, mentees may experience information or activity overload. They behave like young rabbits that respond to every sound in the jungle and are constantly alert to predators, leading to panic. Mentors can help them process the curriculum in bits and pieces. Too much input can be overwhelming, especially for slow learners. Mentors have a pivotal task in helping mentees filter priorities and focus attention by teaching time-management skills and study strategies.
Sixth, mentees sometimes experience emotional vulnerability due to burnout or failure in examinations. Mentors can bring hope by helping mentees understand that repeating a semester or taking an academic break is not a disaster. Sometimes, withdrawal is necessary for self-healing. An injured or exhausted bear’s retreat to its den to recover is not perceived as a sign of weakness. Such retreat is necessary for rest, reflection, and an effective bounce back.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” is a famous quote by Sir Isaac Newton. Mentors should provide such a platform and comfort for mentees to evolve. Mentees need to use the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of their mentors and build progress steadily and consistently in small steps.
