Starting veterinary school can be just as daunting as applying or acing pre-veterinary coursework. Sometimes, all someone needs to make the leap into their first year of a veterinary program is a little support and guidance from someone who gets it.

That’s peer mentorship.

The College of Veterinary Medicine hosts a peer mentor program for incoming DVM students, randomly matching them with students a year above them beginning when they accept their spot in the program.

Before first-year students arrive on campus for orientation, those who opt into the program will have already connected with their peer mentor.

“From the very beginning, my mentee and I formed a strong bond, and what started as a mentorship quickly turned into an amazing friendship. Having a friend in another year has been invaluable—we support each other through challenges, offer advice, and celebrate each other's successes. Whether it’s studying together, venting about school stress, or simply taking time to relax and disconnect, our friendship has become a vital part of my vet school journey,” says Megan White, DVM class of 2027.

Peer mentorship is facilitated by the College’s office of Student Engagement and Success. The program used to be run solely by students and was known as “Big Sib Lil Sib,” in the style of Greek life mentorship; however, facilitation by the College allows mentors and mentees access to resources and removes barriers to participation.

Student Engagement and Success schedules in-person touchpoint events for peer mentor matches, so they have time, space, and snacks to fuel check-ins.

“Students often do not have the time, financial resources, or energy to schedule meetups with their mentees. Therefore, Student Engagement and Success is hosting events like the Peer Mentor Meetup, so they have an opportunity to touch base in person,” says Lisa Kelley, assistant director of student life and engagement at the College.

While a faculty-to-student mentorship program is also being organized by the College’s office of Professional Education, mentorship from peers has benefits other types of mentor relationships can’t provide.

Fellow students are better situated to answer questions like, “How do I make the most of my time at veterinary school?” “What tips do you have for studying while avoiding burnout?” and “What are some fun clubs that match my interests?”

Expressing challenges to a fellow student who has lived through the process can also be very cathartic. Not to mention, speaking to a peer can erase the intimidation factor that comes with asking questions to faculty.

“I wanted to participate in peer mentorship because I understand firsthand how challenging the transition into vet school can be. As a non-traditional student, my first year was overwhelming. I spent a lot of time learning how to navigate coursework, develop effective study habits, and adjust to the demands of the program. It took a while to find what worked best for me, and I know many incoming students face similar challenges,” says White.

“The peer mentorship experience has been incredible,” says Pruitt Walther, DVM class of 2028 and White’s mentee. “Not only do I have someone to direct all my questions toward, but I also made a best friend. Megan helps remind me that we are veterinary students, but our lives do not solely revolve around veterinary school.”

White and Walther emphasize that listening is at the heart of their peer mentorship.

“As a mentor, I've learned the importance of adapting to each mentee’s unique needs rather than holding rigid expectations of what the relationship should look like,” explains White. “Being able to provide support in a way that is meaningful to them, whether through academic advice, personal encouragement, or playing putt-putt golf on VR, has reinforced the value of connection during an undeniably challenging time in our lives.”

Walther adds, “Megan helps me through classes by giving me advice on what worked well for her, but the main impact Megan has left on me is by being a listening ear when I needed one most.”