Navigating med school together: The ASMPH Mentor-Mentee tradition

The ASMPH Mentor-Mentee Gathering is an annual tradition initiated by the ASMPH Student Council, designed to foster relationships between upperclassmen and incoming students. The program, a voluntary “buddy system,” pairs YL5 students with YL6-7 mentors, providing a vital support network as they navigate the challenges of medical school. Though the program was disrupted by the pandemic years ago, it remains an essential part of the ASMPH experience.

This year's gathering introduced a new approach. Instead of the traditional mentor-mentee pairs, mentor-mentee families were formed, bringing together 1-2 members from each year level into family units. This format encouraged stronger, more diverse connections across year levels, building a broader support system for all participants. The event featured activities and games aimed at fostering camaraderie, such as a revamped "Bring Me" game and team-based challenges like the Calamansi Relay and Newspaper Dance. Each year, a unique theme is chosen for the gathering, and this year’s theme celebrated Filipino culture with a lively Filipino Party motif.

One of the key moments of the gathering was the "Mentor-Mentee Moment," where members of the family units spent time bonding through personal prompts. This allowed students to share their motivations for pursuing medicine and discuss their hopes for the journey ahead at ASMPH.

The Mentor-Mentee Gathering fosters a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie among ASMPH students. By the end of the event, younger students gain a stronger sense of belonging and support, reflecting the Ateneo community’s culture of teamwork and solidarity. Through these meaningful connections, students are better equipped to face the challenges of medical school together.