“I am Happy to Participate in the Mentor Project,” Says Aaghaz Siddique

The Mentor Project has been being implemented in Ternopil National Medical University for three years already. Our university was one of the first to introduce support and assistance to all freshmen regularly. For example, in the United States, mentoring is important in all areas of university activity: starting from secondary school to working in large corporations. Mentors share their experience to those at the beginning of their professional career or beginners in something. The latter are called mentee. For the past 25 years of mentoring in the United States, new approaches and ways of implementation of mentoring programs have developed and the concept of mentoring has been studied.

There comes a time in our life when we need to decide on our future career and personal development that requires adjusting to a new way of life. We can ask a person who has already gone through such difficulties and achieved great results. Today we are talking about one of the mentors from among international students – Aaghaz Siddique, a student of the group 261. For many freshmen, he is a reliable and experienced mentor.

Why have you chosen TNMU? Did you face any problems after arriving to Ternopil? What kind of difficulties did you experience?

Before coming to Ukraine I did research on all the best Medical Universities of Ukraine. From senior students, Internet and from MCI website I concluded that Ternopil National Medical University is one of the best Medical Universities of Ukraine as it lacks corruption and has the best teaching staff in Ukraine.

The teachers of this University are outgoing, very cooperative and ready to lend a hand. As for me, some of the teachers are one of the best. I would like to mention Mr. Andrii Dovbush (Histology) and Ms. Olena Pokryshko(Microbiology).The Dean of the International Students Faculty, Mr.Petro Selskyi is a great man. In first meeting with an honourable dean I became a huge fan of him. As for me, Professor Selskyi is a man of values and principles. He is very helpful to each student. Whenever required students can meet him openly and he always listens to all the students with a very positive attitude.

Whenever I faced problems here my teachers helped and guided me. As a freshman I faced many problems: first of all – language interaction, since English is not so common here. Secondly, Ukraine is a cold country, so it is very difficult for a person like me from a tropical country to adjust in this environment. Also the teaching pattern in Ukraine is quite different from India. So these were some problems I faced in Ukraine. But as time passes, I got comfortable here. Now this University is like my second home. All the staff, teachers and here are so good. I really respect them with all my heart.

Why did you choose to be a mentor?

My parents always taught me to help others and to be open for everyone whenever needed.  I wanted to share my experience so that all the freshmen did not face any of the problems that I did once. So as a senior student I am always available for all my younger brothers and sisters who are new at this university. More than a mentor I am their local guardian. They all call me Aaghaz Bhaiyaaa (big brother).

What have you taught the freshmen?

Well, I taught them everything I experienced in Ukraine. I am teaching them the fundamentals of the Ukrainian Language. Some of them cannot even cook, so I help them in cooking food. Also I take them to local markets and teach how to purchase things at the market. I even take them to National Revival Park and other places of interest and relax so that they feel well here and don’t miss their families. Since present online studies at the university, I helped them in their studies and teach them to study Anatomy, Medical Chemistry etc.

I also emphasised about all the basic things like discipline and code of conduct of the university and dormitory. I help them to be stronger and independent so that they can face any difficulties. Right now they all are happy and entirely self-confident.

What problems do the freshmen face? Did they manage to solve them?

Well at the very beginning of the studies all the students face similar problems. The main problems the freshmen face are: sudden climate change, since Ukraine is a very cold country.  The students also have difficulties in interaction with locals because new students don’t speak Ukrainian well. Some students, who are very attached to their families, miss their relatives a lot. That is why they sometimes are depressed. In that case I talk to them in person and cook food for them and I communicate to their parents and ask to motivate them.

What did you expect from the Mentor Project?

This mentorship program is a super idea and it is really appreciable. This project helps all the freshmen to adjust in a totally new environment. I feel so grateful to be a part of this project.

How do you keep in touch with the freshmen?

Every 2-3 days I visit them personally in their rooms and talk to them. Also they are free to visit me or call me 24 hours a day whenever they need it. I am also keep in touch with their parents and whenever required their parents can call me and talk to me about their children.

What would you advice to other mentors?

I would like to suggest only one thing to all the mentors – please, treat all the younger students like your family members and support them in everything. The freshmen should not face the problems we had experienced once.