They're Off at University. But Who’s in Their Corner Now?

What If Your Kid Had Someone to Call When It All Feels Too Much?

Kids are heading off to post-secondary school younger than ever. My youngest started at Dalhousie University at 17. When I started more than 40 years ago, I had just turned 19.

So, what’s changed since then?

Grade 13 is gone. Social media has created a culture of constant comparison. The competition to get into good schools has never been tougher, and staying there can be even harder. The financial burden has become overwhelming for many students, with some working one or even two jobs just to make ends meet. And through it all, kids’ mental health has never been in greater crisis.

My son went through three years of high school during COVID. Like so many others, kids aren’t taught self-awareness and self-regulation while building new, often unhealthy, study habits. Now, he’s a two-hour plane ride or an 18-hour drive. His mom lives in Europe full time. So what happens when he feels stressed or overwhelmed, like so many young people do?

Campuses have added support systems: student health services, fall reading weeks, counselling programs, but wait times can stretch from one to three months in peak periods. There’s triage for those in crisis, but what about the students who are anxious, scared, or struggling quietly?

That’s where mentorship can fill the gap. Imagine if your child could talk to someone just a few years older who has walked that same path, struggled too, and made it through. Not a therapist. Not a tutor. Just someone who listens without judgment and reminds them that their worth is far greater than their grades.

We now have mentors available across Canada. Each is carefully matched to your child based on lived experience, so they can relate on a real level.

If your son or daughter tends to be shy or more isolated, wouldn’t you want them to have someone they can open up to? Someone who listens, understands, and helps them find their footing when life feels heavy?

We offer flexible options, including Exam and Midterm 6-Pack Sessions or The MentorWell’s regular six-month mentorship plan. This gives your child a consistent voice, someone they get to know and trust over time. A person they can confide in when the stress builds, when they can’t sleep, or when they feel like they have to handle everything alone.

Many students won’t share their inner struggles with parents. They don’t want to worry you, and too often, those conversations drift back to marks and performance. Silence isn’t safety

But what if you could help take some of that pressure off? What if your child had someone in their corner who isn’t evaluating them, but simply listening, supporting, and reminding them that they’re enough? Because remember, silence isn’t safety.

That’s what mentorship offers. A safe, trusted connection. Someone who helps your child feel lighter, stronger, and less alone.

As a parent, wouldn’t that give you peace of mind?