How Joycely found purpose in ArtsEd peer mentoring – and how you can too in 2026!
Looking for a meaningful way to give back at Deakin, gain valuable skills, and connect with like-minded students? The ArtsEd Peer Mentoring Program is looking for enthusiastic mentors for 2026!
As a mentor, you’ll support fellow students as they navigate university life, help them feel welcome and make a real difference in their experience. Plus, mentoring gives you hands-on leadership experience, builds confidence and helps you grow personally and professionally.
Meet Joycely Chan, ArtsEd Peer Mentor
“My name is Joycely, and I’m a third-year Psychology and Education student,” Joycely says. “I joined the Peer Mentoring Program in 2023 and since then have had the privilege of supporting over 120 students throughout their university journey.”
This is now her fifth consecutive trimester as a peer mentor, but her mentoring journey began long before she joined the team. She first joined the program as a mentee and still remembers how warmly she was welcomed from day one. Feeling seen, supported and reassured by her mentor — and the community around her — made university feel far less intimidating. That experience stayed with her.
When she felt ready, she returned as a mentor so she could help recreate that same sense of comfort and community for others. For her, mentoring is about showing students they’re not alone, especially when uni feels overwhelming or unfamiliar.
Being a mentor has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Deakin.
Mentoring completely reshaped the way she experienced university
Mentoring has made a profound impact on Joycely’s life – academically, personally and professionally. It helped her meet like-minded peers “who care deeply, show up for others, and value community the same way [she does]”. It boosted her confidence, helped her trust herself and reminded her why she chose her degree in the first place.
It also opened new doors she never expected. Through the program, she’s had opportunities to co-host events, MC sessions, speak at student panels and contribute to projects that directly support student engagement and wellbeing.
It has allowed me to connect and collaborate with students and staff from different faculties, and gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond the ‘learning’ phase of university.
A small role that makes a big difference
There’s no huge commitment required – it’s a chance to offer support when it’s needed and help foster a welcoming, inclusive community.
That sense of belonging is exactly what Joycely hopes to pass on to new students. If you’re an ArtsEd student in your second year or beyond, you can help create that same supportive environment by becoming a mentor. You don’t need to have all the answers – just a willingness to listen, share your experiences and guide students through the transition to university life.
It’s about being there when support is needed, showing that people care, and helping create a place where students feel safe, understood and welcome.
Join the 2026 Peer Mentoring Program
If you’re ready to help students feel welcome, build your leadership skills and make a difference at Deakin, become a mentor for 2026!
Apply to become an ArtsEd Peer Mentor in 2026 now!
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