'She encouraged me to think about what I need' - the mentoring journey of Chaza

Chaza is a trained nurse from Jordan, who joined the 13th Routes Mentoring cohort. She was paired with Afra, who is Senior Advisor at Health Innovation East. Together, they embarked on 4 months of mentoring, to work on Chaza’s goal of requalifying for healthcare work in the UK. In this blog, Chaza describes her experiences with mentoring and the importance of confidence building in finding your motivation.

I graduated in 2020 with an associate nursing degree in Jordan. After moving to London, I found myself feeling lost and unsure of how to navigate my path toward becoming a nurse here. I needed guidance from someone who understood the education system and job market in the UK and could help me figure out how to use my qualifications effectively.

That’s when I discovered the Routes mentoring programme—and the right person to guide me! Before meeting my mentor, Afra, I felt a bit nervous, but that nervousness quickly disappeared when I met her. She was incredibly kind, calm, and supportive, which made me feel comfortable right away.

Throughout this journey, Afra has helped me think through my options and has provided invaluable support. One of the things I’m most grateful for is how she continuously reminds me to take care of myself and prioritize my own needs. She encouraged me to think about what I, Chaza, need—rather than focusing entirely on other people or my responsibilities. At the same time, she never stopped motivating me to keep going, even when things got tough. Our meetings not only gave me guidance but also helped me practice my English and build my confidence.

“It has been a transformative experience that has not only provided me with practical advice but also empowered me to believe in myself and my potential.”

— Mentee Chaza

Thanks to this programme and Afra’s encouragement, I now feel more equipped and hopeful about my future as a nurse in the UK. After these meetings, I finally have clarity on what my next steps are and what I need to do to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse in the UK. With the guidance and support I’ve received, I feel more confident and ready to move forward on this journey.

Picture: Chaza (top middle, without party hat) and fellow mentors and mentees at the Celebration Event.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Routes mentoring programme for this incredible opportunity. It has been a transformative experience that has not only provided me with practical advice but also empowered me to believe in myself and my potential.

Are you interested in mentoring with Routes? Our award-winning Mentoring Programme runs twice a year, and is a learning opportunity for both mentors and mentees. You’ll be matched with another professional - in a bespoke mentoring pair, based on your shared interests, expertise and learning goals.

Applications for mentors for our autumn cohort open on 8th March (International Women’s Day). Applications for mentees also open in Spring. Please visit www.routescollective.com/mentees for more information.