January’s #SAMoment-Mentoring

The #SAMoment theme for the month of January is all about mentoring. Throughout my career I’ve been lucky to have great mentors in my life. Whether it was an assigned mentorship through a more formal process or folks I connected with by chance; my mentors have provided me with life changing support. My mentors are people I turn to when I’m in need of professional, personal, and spiritual development. My mentors come from all walks of life and different professional levels. I’m thankful for the many conversations in which they’ve challenged me to think critically and for providing a space that allowed me to be vulnerable.

Through my professional role within the organization, I have the opportunity to work with the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP). The mission of NUFP is to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and/or higher education, including but not limited to those of racial and ethnic-minority backgrounds; those having a disability; and those identifying as LGBTQ. By mentoring students from traditionally underrepresented and historically disenfranchised populations, this semi-structured program diversifies and broadens the pipeline of our profession. 

My first official experience as a mentee was through the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program.  My mentor and I grew together and developed a relationship that was more than just about our mutual interest in student affairs. I truly valued the bond we created. It was a bond I wished to carry forward with the students I would eventually work with in the future. I enjoy this opportunity to work with NUFP because I’m able to provide support and guidance as undergraduate students develop lifelong relationships with their very own mentors.

NASPA has created a unique mentoring opportunity for first time annual conference attendees. If you’re planning to attend the 2016 NASPA Annual Conference as a first time attendee, you should consider signing up for a conference mentor. If the idea of having a conference mentor while in Indianapolis excites you, make sure to sign up while registering. Mentors are tasked to help answer questions before the conference, offer guidance during the conference and follow up after to hear about your experience. 

Understanding the benefits and value of mentoring is not breaking news. National Mentoring Month was originally created and recognized in 2002, in collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. Mentoring has been shown to increase engagement of mentees. We all mentor in different ways. When was the last time you thanked your mentor? As you reflect on past, present and future mentors use the hashtag #MyMentorandMe to share with your online community.

I encourage you to take some time out of your day to say thank you to those who matter the most in your life!

Happiest New Year to you!