“Being a mentor is tiring, but I’d like to give it a try.” — A Journey As A Introverted Mentor

I love meeting new people, but it can be draining for me. I’m not the type of person who enjoys being the center of attention. So when I was offered the opportunity to mentor, I was a little hesitant. But I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did.

Hi, nice to meet you! I’m an introverted mentor.

I first took on the role in SIB Dicoding Batch 3, an MSIB Kampus Merdeka program by Dicoding Indonesia, as Front-End/Back-End Developer mentor. (Thanks to Bangkit Academy for the opportunities given as a graduate!) As a first-timer, indeed I had doubts about how well I could connect with and guide students. Little did I know that my introverted nature would bring unique strengths to the mentoring experience.

My last weekly consultation session with my mentees from SIB Dicoding Batch 3.

As a first-timer, I joined SIB Dicoding Batch 3 as a non-class mentor. I only replace another mentor if they can’t attend and assist their group’s instructor-led training (ILT) session. Once in a moment, I replaced one of the class mentors for a week because they got an accident and needed to undergo a period of recovery. I replaced their mentor’s ILT assisting session and weekly consultation session. After a month, I replaced another class mentor that resigned from the program, so I became the class mentor for the rest of the period.

When I was a class mentor, I was nervous at first, but I’m so glad I did it. I realized that I’ve loved hearing others’ stories, giving insights and guidance to them, and being able to help people learn new skills and achieve their goals. I succeed to brought 92% of my mentees to graduate from the program, with 26% of them were graduated with distinction. Later on, I was given a chance to be a mentor at Bangkit Academy 2023 H-1.

What did I do as a class mentor?

At both Bangkit Academy and SIB Dicoding, a cohort of 25 mentees is assigned to a mentor. A mentor has many responsibilities, as follows:

1. Give guidance, insights, and assistance about… almost anything! You can listen to their stories about how their life is, how their activities are, whether are they doing good both on campus and program, etc. Throughout Bangkit Academy, I learned the importance of active listening. As an introvert, I tend to listen attentively, observing the nuances of what others say. I realized that this skill was invaluable as a mentor. By actively listening to students, I could understand their struggles, identify their strengths, and tailor my guidance accordingly. This not only helped them overcome obstacles but also boosted their confidence, knowing that they had someone who truly understood and supported them.
2. Follow up on their progress and check their logbooks as well. For mentees who registered at the MSIB Kampus Merdeka platform, it is mandatory for them to fill out daily logbook and weekly logbooks during the program.
3. Hold weekly consultation sessions and 1:1 consultation sessions for those who need them. When you take the role of a mentor, you will be mostly involved in group and one-on-one interactions. But, I focused more on one-on-one interactions to find solace in reflective moments. I give my mentees permission to contact me via Discord, Instagram, or scheduled virtual meetings if it’s necessary. I discovered that these qualities actually helped me establish deeper connections with the students. I offered individual support and personal attention to each student’s needs. This allowed me to create a safe space for open and meaningful conversations, where students felt comfortable sharing their challenges and aspirations.
4. Prepare and assist instructors with their ILT sessions. At both Bangkit Academy and SIB Dicoding, there are 2–3 groups in one ILT session. All mentors who joined will hold a sync session with the instructor before the ILT session begin.
5. Fill out the mentee’s feedback and assessments. You will be given a template of feedback and assessments for students to be filled out on the MSIB Kampus Merdeka platform. You will also be given a feedback form for the instructor and mentees after the ILT session is ended.
6. If it’s necessary, you can also coordinate a study group session. The study group session is a peer-tutored session for those who need an additional understanding of the material provided.

“But… being a mentor seems tiring.”

It’s important to note that being an introverted mentor wasn’t without its challenges. I know that being an introvert can make mentoring seem daunting. Here are a few tips that have helped me:

• Be yourself. Keep in your mind that we can be a good listener, we’re patient, and our thoughts can speak louder and resonate with your mentees.

“Don’t compare yourself to others; you are yourself.”
— Matsui Jurina

• Set boundaries. Surely, there were moments when I felt drained from the constant interaction and the need to be present for the students. So, it’s important to set boundaries with your mentees. Let them know that you’re available to help, but that you also need time for yourself.
• Attend every training session for mentors. At Bangkit Academy, there are Mentor Soft Skill Series sessions. You can gather insights from other mentors.

Conclusion

After being a mentor for various programs, I found out that my introverted nature turned out to be an asset in my mentoring journey. I was able to create authentic connections with my mentees by listening to them attentively and offering thoughtful advice. I was also able to give and create an inclusive and supportive environment by creating a space where my mentees felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Surely, being a mentor is an invaluable and rewarding journey for me.