The feeling you get when you see the light go on – when you know that you have helped someone to better understand their disease – is very rewarding.

Brian (Peer Speaker):  The opportunity to be a Peer Speaker was life changing. As a person with diabetes for over 25 years, I knew it was important to explain  my experiences, good & not so good, in an easy to understand manner. 

Sheila (Care Partner Speaker):  And as Brian’s care partner I was able to to provide insight into the importance of Brian having a partner to work with, support, and someone to hold him accountable.

The thing that’s most special about a peer connection is that you’re experiencing something that I have gone through. I have been there. Together, we can form a connection of support.

Peer Mentoring can be quite effective and of great benefit to the ‘mentor’ as well as the ‘mentee’. I have found the most important part of my role as a mentor is to be a good listener. Through careful listening I am continually learning, which allows me to be a more effective mentor. Listening builds a strong foundation of friendship and trust  that is essential to the mentor/mentee relationship.

I believe the strongest message that I can relate to a mentee is that ‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’. Many of your peers have found personal success. These same people have and are facing some of the circumstances, challenges, and roadblocks that you have encountered.

While it does require time and effort to find your road to success, be assured there are people and organizations that truly care and can offer you assistance in many ways. Working together, we can begin to build a team that will set you on the right path.

Peer mentoring is special because it’s so mutually beneficial. Both the giver and recipient get the sense they’re not alone and can truly bond and feel understood on their shared journey.