Fact: everyone needs a support system. Even the most independent, self-sufficient people in the world wouldn't be able to get by without some help. This is especially true for young people, who often lack the experience and wisdom that might otherwise guide them.
The support of mentors has become increasingly valuable for me as I inch closer and closer to life in the so-called "real world". Who better to get advice from than experienced "real world" residents?
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| I'm just going to insert some fictional mentors throughout this post. |
This year, I signed up to take part in a new mentoring program hosted by the Tufts Black Alumni Association. TBAA paired up Tufts students with alumni who volunteered to be mentors throughout the academic year. Mentors and mentees are expected to bond, communicate regularly, and work through various tasks.
In the past few months I've formed a great relationship with my mentor, Sade. She's a recent alum who works for the U.S. State Department. Her job focuses on Libya, but the instability in the region has required her to work remotely from Malta. Having a mentor who lives on a different continent is nontraditional for sure, but we've made it work through the magic of the internet. Luckily, I'm a night owl who has no problem with 1 am Skype sessions.
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| Feeney, Feeney, FEENEY! |
BENEFITS OF HAVING A MENTOR:
- A mentor in your field can answer specific questions. Though Sade isn't a lawyer, she majored in Political Science like I do, and she shares many of my interests. Since we have those similarities, I'm able to ask her more specific questions about career development and the political sphere. Finding a mentor in your field is a great goal to have.
- They've probably gone through the struggles you're having now. It's hard to navigate both college and a future career. You will inevitably face challenges, but sometimes it feels like all the people around you are doing fine. A mentor can bring reality back into the situation - everyone has trouble at some point. Mentors can make you realize that you're not alone. They might even share lessons they've learned from their own struggles.
- Networking potential. This wouldn't be a legitimate career blog if I didn't mention networking. Yes, it can be intimidating, but mentors are a fantastic way to make connections you wouldn't otherwise. Having a mentor in the professional world, especially if they're in your field of interest, is a priceless resource. They probably know people who would be willing to talk with you. Who knows, maybe you'll gain even more mentors!
- Encouragement and positive energy. Above anything, mentors want you to succeed! They're taking time out their day to form a relationship with you for a reason. They probably want to ensure that the next generation sees the same successes they've seen. On top of giving advice, a mentor can be the cheerleader who keeps you going. I'm definitely thankful for the mentors I've had who believed in me. That encouragement really does help.
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| Ms. Honey is probably the kindest mentor to ever exist. |
Here's another testament to mentors. I was actually encouraged to sign up by another mentor of mine, Katrina Moore, the director of the Africana Center. She thought it'd be a great opportunity for me to connect with an alum in my field of interest, and she was definitely right. Sade and all the other mentors I've accumulated over time have been crucial to my development, career-wise and beyond. I'm very grateful to have mentors supporting me.
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| I'll end with my favorite fictional mentor ever: Uncle Iroh. |
If you'd like the guidance a mentor can offer, go and reach out to someone. It could be a professor, a counselor, someone you meet at a networking event -- anyone who is willing to take you under their wing.
When it comes down to it, we all need somebody to lean on.
Signing off,
Kelly Vieira
Class of 2015
