Learning to Lead: What Being a Western Peer Leader Taught Me
Written by: Sarina Kosari, 4th Year Biology
Like most students who transition from high school to university, I can admit that I dealt with a lot of challenges, from learning how to manage my time, to feeling uncertain about my path and trying to create a sense of balance as my academic responsibilities piled up. I still remember my first day - walking into the huge lecture hall of first-year biology, not knowing what to expect and feeling so anxious of what is to come. Everything felt so new and unfamiliar. At times, I couldn’t help but wonder “am I the only one who is struggling to adjust?”
Over time, I began to realize I wasn’t alone in how I felt. I reached out to my soph who was in third year at the time, and she told me that it’s normal to feel lost at the beginning. She shared stories of how she struggled within the first year, and that interaction alone made me realize how impactful having a mentor can be. The comfort of knowing that someone else had been in my shoes and made it through gave me a sense of reassurance that I held onto.
Fast forward two years, I came across the Western Peer Leader program. I signed up to become an Accessible Education Mentor and I could not have asked for a more meaningful experience. Through this role, I had the opportunity to support students registered with Accessible Education on a one-on-one basis by helping them build learning strategies, improve time management, relieve anxiety, and navigate academic life with more confidence. Whether it was setting goals together, checking in on their progress, or simply being someone they could talk to, I found the role incredibly rewarding. It honestly felt like such a full-circle experience reminding me of where I had once been and showing me just how far I had come.
But, being a Peer Leader also made me realize that support goes both ways. While I was there to help other students, I also learned valuable skills along the way. Every conversation challenged me to become a better listener, approach situations with empathy, and view obstacles through a more multifaceted lens. Being a part of the peer leader community, I learned that there is so much more to leadership than just having all the answers. It’s about being there for someone else, showing up consistently, and supporting others in any way they need.
The best part? By joining to become a Western Peer Leader you get to join a community of so many other students who care about supporting one another. An Accessible Education Mentor is only one of the many positions you can apply for! There are roles in Intercultural Engagement, Media & Content Creation, Careers & Experience, Academic Support, and more! In fact, I recently took on a second Peer Leader role as a Digital Peer Leader, and part of that role is creating blog content for Thrive Online (just like the one that you are reading right now!). In this role, I get to write about my experiences as an undergraduate, create engaging social media posts for student experience, and share my story with you all from what I have learned to what has helped me along the way.
If any of this sounds exciting to you, I strongly encourage you to check it out. And good news, there are still some Peer Leader positions including Digital Peer Leader roles open for the Fall/Winter 2025–2026 academic year! You can learn more about the different roles and how to apply by visiting the Western Peer Leader website.
Take it from me, your next chapter could start with one application!
Published on
