By Jimmy Junior Njenga
On February 20, members of the Peer Educators and Counselors Club (PECC) visited Premier Academy for a mentorship session focused on preparing students for life beyond high school, particularly the transition to university. The session engaged three Year 13 streams, each comprising approximately 20 students, with 10 PECC members facilitating discussions across the classes.
The sessions began with an interactive icebreaker designed to gauge students’ feelings and expectations about higher education. Students were invited to openly share what they were most excited and most anxious about. Responses ranged from enthusiasm about independence and new opportunities to concerns about academic pressure, adapting to unfamiliar environments, and uncertainty about whether they had chosen the right degree path. This activity immediately set a reflective tone and allowed the conversations to be shaped by the students’ real concerns.
Discussions then expanded to key aspects of adjusting to university social life, including navigating peer pressure, managing newfound freedom, making friends in new environments, and adapting to different academic expectations. Club members also highlighted the emotional realities of transition, including moments of loneliness that may arise when moving away from parents and familiar support systems. Students were encouraged to recognize that such feelings were a normal part of growth and that building intentional support networks can make the adjustment smoother.
Throughout the sessions, students demonstrated genuine curiosity about what university life is truly like. Many asked questions about switching degrees after enrollment, while others were already considering postgraduate study and inquiring about pathways toward pursuing a master’s degree. Their forward-thinking questions reflected ambition and a desire to make informed decisions.
Rather than delivering lectures, PECC members facilitated open dialogue by sharing personal experiences and practical insights. This approach created space for honest engagement and allowed students to see the university not as an abstract future, but as a tangible next step.
The visit reinforced the importance of peer mentorship in bridging of the gap between secondary school and university. By addressing both the academic and social dimensions of transition, PECC remains committed to equipping students with the awareness and confidence needed to navigate their next chapter successfully as they market the university during their high school mentorship programs.
