Deema Sonbol is a Lecturer in Strategy and Marketing at the University of Sussex Business School. In June 2021, Deema obtained her PhD in Media and Communication from the University of Warwick, where she also worked as an Associate Tutor to support MA students. In 2015, she worked at the University of Business and Technology where she developed and led courses such as Conceptual Communication, Research and Evaluation, Brand Strategy and Marketing Management. Prior to an academic career, she worked as a Marketing Research Strategist within the communications sector. 

Her research interests focus on women’s entrepreneurship, social constructionism, discourse and power, Critical Discourse Analysis, essentialism, social mobility, precarious work, and draws upon several disciplines such as media and communication, gender, cultural, business and feminist studies. Deema was nominated for three categories in the 2023 and 2024 Education Awards: Teaching to Disrupt, Inclusive Sussex, and World Readiness.  

What I Did 

Supporting students’ wellbeing goes beyond academic guidance, it’s about creating a safe space where students feel genuinely heard and supported. I embarked on a journey to support student wellbeing more actively by becoming an ASPIRE mentor and obtaining a certificate from the Mental Health First Aid UK programme. My primary objective was to offer guidance and approachable support for students facing personal and academic challenges that could impact their progress. My role involves facilitating conversations with students, often starting with a simple, “How are you feeling?” and allowing the dialogue to develop based on their needs. This mentorship program has allowed me to serve as a source of encouragement and to help students who might otherwise feel isolated.  

Why I Did It 

I believe that caring for students’ wellbeing goes hand-in-hand with academic support. Academic success is often interwoven with mental and emotional health. My approach is guided by a sense of empathy and the desire to foster a supportive, inclusive environment. I’ve found that sharing my own minor struggles, such as time management or motivation, helps in breaking down the perceived power dynamics between students and faculty, allowing for more open and honest conversations. 

There is often a need for students to connect with someone who can offer reassurance without judgment. Some students, especially those with low perceptions of themselves, face significant obstacles to their academic progression. By actively listening to their concerns, I aim to empower them to take ownership of their challenges, knowing they’re supported.  

Impact and Student Feedback 

The feedback from students has been positive, both verbally and in written forms. Many have expressed relief in having someone to talk to who genuinely listens and who respects their autonomy in decision-making. For some students, having someone listen without immediately offering advice has been transformative, as it allows them to explore their own solutions and feel more in control. 

Through both online and in-person sessions, I’ve observed that many students benefit particularly from face-to-face interactions, especially when discussing sensitive issues. These in-person sessions foster a greater sense of connection, which can sometimes be challenging to achieve in online settings.  

Future Practice 

I am committed to continuing this mentorship approach and intend to engage in more professional development workshops and explore new mental health resources to enhance my mentorship skills.  

Top Tips 

For anyone looking to provide similar support to their students, here are my top three tips: 

1. Take initiative by breaking down the power dynamics and becoming more approachable.  

2. Really listen to what students are saying and let them figure out what they can do to help themselves rather than being compelled to give advice immediately.  

3. Engage in personal development workshops to listen to other colleagues’ experiences. We can learn a lot from others. 

If you’re a staff member at the University of Sussex and are concerned about a student’s mental wellbeing you can consult your School’s Director of Student Experience as well as guide students to the Student Centre for support. Human Resources also offer a range of training opportunities for staff.