Mentorship Spotlight - Celebrating Amy Bantle and Zoha Mansoor

Mentorship Spotlight: Celebrating Amy Bantle and Zoha Mansoor

In the fast-paced world of medical school, mentorship can be the guiding light that helps students navigate challenges, build resilience, and create lasting connections. This year, we’re thrilled to spotlight Amy Bantle, our 2023-24 Mentee of the Year, and share the story of her inspiring mentorship journey with Zoha Mansoor, a dedicated peer mentor from the Class of 2026. Their story embodies the impact mentorship can have on both mentors and mentees, shaping not only academic success but personal growth and lifelong friendships.

Finding Support and Belonging

For Amy, the transition into medical school was a significant step, filled with excitement but also a sense of uncertainty. With no family background in medicine, she signed up for the mentorship program with the hope of finding someone who could help her feel more at home in this new environment. She was looking for insights into medical school life and answers to her many questions—and she found just that, and more, in Zoha.

"Zoha exceeded my expectations in her availability as a mentor," Amy shared. " I could text her at any time of day and no matter how silly the question was, she would get back to me almost immediately with an answer that was reassuring." Zoha’s openness helped Amy shed any feelings of imposter syndrome and feel a true sense of belonging in the College of Medicine.

"When someone believes in you wholeheartedly, it’s hard not to believe in yourself," Amy reflected. Through Zoha’s guidance and unwavering support, Amy felt empowered to embrace her journey with confidence.

Building Resilience and Prioritizing Wellness

Zoha’s mentorship extended beyond academics; she emphasized the importance of balance, encouraging Amy to stay connected to her passions outside of medicine. "Medicine is a demanding career," Amy noted, "and establishing boundaries and wellness habits early is important." Zoha’s reminders of the importance of work-life balance resonated deeply, reinforcing that success in medicine can coexist with a fulfilling personal life.

Zoha’s own journey into mentorship was inspired by the mentors she had when she entered medical school. She wanted to provide the same kind of support to someone who, like Amy, was seeking guidance and connection. "I had incredible mentors who made my transition easier, and I wanted to be that person for someone else," Zoha said.

A Friendship Beyond Mentorship

For both Amy and Zoha, their journey together has blossomed into a lasting friendship. From winning a mentorship contest for a free dinner to sharing brunch, lunch, and dinner dates, they’ve found time to connect outside of their roles as mentor and mentee. "The biggest achievement we reached together was building a connection that will last outside of this program," Zoha shared.

Amy and Zoha are quick to credit each other for the success of their relationship. Amy appreciates Zoha’s wisdom and generosity, while Zoha admires Amy’s emotional intelligence and caring nature. "Amy has a way of making everyone feel important," Zoha reflected. "She’s someone I can always count on for comfort and understanding."

The True Essence of Mentorship

Both Amy and Zoha agree that the key to a successful mentor-mentee relationship lies in mutual engagement and genuine effort. "It can’t just be one person putting in the work," Zoha explained. "Both of us put in the effort to connect and get to know each other." This shared dedication created a space where both mentor and mentee felt supported, heard, and valued.

Reflecting on their time together, Zoha expressed gratitude for the unexpected lessons she gained as a mentor. "Even though I was Amy’s mentor, she helped me just as much as I helped her. The roles in this program aren’t black and white." For Zoha, the mentorship experience was an opportunity for growth and connection, proving that mentorship is a journey of mutual discovery and shared learning.

Amy and Zoha’s story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. Their friendship, support, and respect for each other exemplify what the PM² Mentorship Program aims to foster in every mentor-mentee pairing. As Amy moves forward, she carries with her the lessons Zoha has shared, and as Zoha continues mentoring, she brings the wisdom and warmth that have defined her journey with Amy.

Congratulations to Amy Bantle, our Mentee of the Year, and heartfelt thanks to Zoha Mansoor for the difference she’s made in Amy’s life and in our medical community. Their story reminds us that mentorship is about more than guidance—it’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive.