Marguerite’s Story
At just 21, Marguerite is already making a lasting impact on young people through her role as a mentor with IntoUniversity. Nominated for a Time2Volunteer Award in 2025, she reflects on her journey and the powerful value of volunteering.
Marguerite first discovered IntoUniversity during her second year at university in Leicester. “The Leicester centre was running an activity on campus and I spoke to one of the representatives there,” she explains. “I learned more about what IntoUniversity does and thought I’d love to get involved.”
What drew her in was the charity’s focus on young people facing disadvantage. “It really connected with my own experiences. When I was in Primary school, I had a lot of unofficial mentors. So this felt like a way to give back, to be that ‘older sister’ figure.”
Originally signing up for Academic Support, Marguerite was later encouraged to join our University Student Mentoring programme. During her Chemistry degree, Marguerite undertook a year’s placement in industry at a company near Hull. It was at this point that she began volunteering at IntoUniversity Hull East. “It worked perfectly,” she says. “That’s how I ended up mentoring in Hull because of my placement.”
One of her most rewarding moments came with a mentee who had been shy and unsure at first. “Then, during our midway review, I realised how much they’d grown. Their confidence had clearly improved, and they were a lot more open and vocal. They even told me their grades had gone up since we started.”
This experience helped Marguerite realise just how significant her role had become. “I didn’t realise how much of an impact I could have in such a short space of time. Mentoring showed me that I do have that ability to support others in a meaningful way.”
When asked to describe her journey in three words, she says:
Inspirational: “Not just for the mentees, but for me too. It’s inspired me to keep going, to keep pushing to make a difference.”
Motivational: “Talking to the young people reminds me how far I’ve come, and encourages me to keep pursuing my own goals while helping others.”
Fun: “I had such a good time mentoring! The team were lovely, we had laughs, played games, and even simple things like them remembering my tea order just made it feel like home.”
Volunteering with IntoUniversity has shaped both Marguerite’s personal and professional outlook. “It opened my eyes to how many young people benefit from this kind of support and how many more still need it. For some, it’s about having a safe space. For others, it’s just someone to talk to.”
Reflecting on her impact, she shares, “I helped my mentees grow in confidence and start to see their next steps more clearly. It was about showing them what’s possible.”
Her advice to future mentors? “Absolutely go for it. Imagine you’re talking to your younger self. What advice helped you? Also, just listen. Be yourself. That’s what they’ll connect with.”
Being nominated for the Time2Volunteer Award has been both humbling and motivating for Marguerite: “I don’t volunteer for recognition. But to be shortlisted… wow. It’s confirmation that I’m making a difference.”
As she returns to Leicester for her final year, Marguerite has already reached out [to the IntoUniversity Leicester North centre] to continue mentoring. “I know there are so many more young people who could benefit. I hope the young people I work with become mentors themselves. That’s how we keep this cycle going.”
Marguerite’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make and why mentoring at IntoUniversity matters.