​​The transition from school to university is not an easy one. But thanks to Joy Petersen and her team of 600 student peer leaders, first-years at Stellenbosch University (SU) receive the support they need to adjust to their new academic and living environment. Joy has been running the University's peer mentor-student leadership programme for the past 5½ years, along with heading up Nerina residence.

As we kicked off May commemorating Workers' Day, we dedicate this series of articles to our staff and their important contribution to the University. We've asked Joy to tell us more about her work.

What does your role at SU entail?

I am based in the Centre for Student Communities (CSC), where I have two roles. My primary role is that of mentor and tracking coordinator, which involves designing, facilitating and coordinating the peer mentor-student leadership programme. This is highly collaborative work across communities and faculties. 

At SU, we have approximately 600 student peer leaders trained to facilitate and mediate about 4 000 newcomers' adjustment and ease their transition from the secondary to the tertiary education environment. Our mentor model is based on a relational approach of deep listening, emotional intelligence awareness, and social and team cohesion. This means I get to do the touchy-feely stuff with students!

My secondary role is that of the resident head of Nerina. I share a living and learning space with around 250 female students, including prospective teachers, social workers, accountants, engineers, scientists, lawyers and the like.

What does a typical day at work look like?

It is difficult to pin down a typical day because the residence space is fluid. My day could start at 02:00, having to take a student to hospital, or it might begin at 07:00 with a refreshing walk at Coetzenburg before work. I am fortunate to have a high degree of autonomy over my work at CSC, so I have space to be creative in my duties, collaborate with colleagues, and connect with students.

How did your education or past experience prepare you for this job?

I studied BCom at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), which led me to the corporate world, where I worked in the finance department of one of the country's largest retailers. However, the routine and predictability of the work did not appeal to me. I resigned and went back to full-time studies at UWC, where I obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I went on to teach at two different high schools, during which time I completed my honours and master's in Education at the University of Cape Town. Prior to joining SU, I was in a job where I placed matriculated students at further education and training colleges, and universities, in internships and bridging programmes.

I would say the corporate world taught me how to be professional, build relations and think big. Teaching taught me humility, listening, and applying restraint and humour, which I use daily in my interactions and engagements with colleagues and students.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?

Being a witness to the students' personal development! My job affords me the privilege of playing a role in nurturing their dreams and cultivating their growth.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that few people would expect?

Over the past few years, I have developed quite a fondness and appreciation for the classic and mystical poets – TS Elliot, Rumi, Mary Oliver, Maya Angelou and Yeats. I am currently doing my PhD in Education, and binge on poetry in between.

Photographer: Stefan Els