Our mentors play a vital role in helping students thrive, not just academically, but personally too. In this edition of People of LSC, we’re shining a spotlight on Pav Mazar, a Specialist Autism and ADHD Mentor who has been with LSC for nearly three years.
Pav works closely with university students, many of whom are neurodivergent, supporting them to better understand how they learn and how to navigate both academic challenges and day-to-day life.
For Pav, the key to effective support starts with building genuine connections. By taking the time to understand each student’s strengths, values, and barriers, she creates a space where learners feel comfortable being themselves.
“It’s not about fixing anyone, it’s about helping them make sense of their own learning patterns and building strategies that truly work for them.”
Her work is deeply individualised. No two students are treated the same, and support can even change from day to day depending on what each learner needs most.
One of the most rewarding parts of Pav’s role is seeing students evolve over time. Supporting learners from their first year through to graduation allows her to witness significant growth – not just in grades, but in confidence and independence.
“What I’m most proud of is when they don’t need me anymore. That shows they’ve developed the tools and belief in themselves to move forward independently.”
Many students begin their journey feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their abilities. Through consistent support, they become more organised, emotionally supported, and able to manage their work in a way that feels sustainable.
Before joining LSC, Pav gained experience working in a primary school supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs. She also worked within the community, helping ex-offenders rebuild their lives through tailored plans and support.
These experiences shaped her approach today – one that centres around meeting people where they are and helping them make meaningful progress.
“I’ve always been drawn to understanding what’s underneath someone’s struggle, not just what’s visible on the surface.”
A key aspect of Pav’s work involves advocating for students, ensuring their needs and learning styles are understood by others. This can sometimes mean challenging systems or helping others better understand neurodivergence.
She emphasises how important it is for students to feel heard and validated – something that hasn’t always been part of their experience.
“Sometimes students have gone a long time without feeling understood. Being able to advocate for them is a really important part of the role.”
For Pav, what makes The Learning Support Centre unique is its commitment to individualised, flexible support.
Rather than expecting students to fit into a system, LSC adapts the support to meet the needs of each learner. This approach, combined with a strong culture of collaboration, creates a supportive environment for both staff and students.
“There’s a real emphasis on seeing learners as individuals, not a one-size-fits-all group.”
Supporting others comes with its challenges, which is why Pav places a strong focus on self-care. She maintains routines that help her stay grounded and energised, allowing her to show up fully for her students.
She also encourages learners to develop their own “anchor” – something they can return to in times of stress or low motivation.
“We can’t always rely on motivation alone. Having structure and routines helps us stay consistent.”
When it comes to LSC’s values, holistic support resonates most with Pav. She looks beyond academic performance to consider the wider picture – mental health, confidence, environment, and wellbeing all play a role in a student’s success.
At the same time, her experience at LSC reflects the organisation’s professionalism and commitment, with strong support from colleagues and management throughout her journey.
Pav’s work highlights the importance of empathy, patience, and individuality in education. By empowering students to understand themselves and build their own strategies, she helps create lasting impact far beyond their time at university.
Her story is a powerful reminder that when students are truly supported as individuals, they don’t just succeed, they grow.
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