Mentoring is a privilege for both the mentor and the mentee. There are many factors that come into play when considering becoming a mentor or searching for one. In order to get an idea of what makes a great mentor, I decided to interview my mentor, Dr. Miriam Aceves, and my peer, Katie Vo.
What Makes a Great Mentor?
I decided to interview Katie first on her experience of being mentored by Miriam. When asked what comes to mind when she hears “mentoring”, Katie replied that a mentor is much more than a teacher. Miriam added that while they may have similar roles, a mentor will take the extra step to aid you outside of your traditional settings. For us, Miriam has done just that, from teaching us how to put together a poster presentation to carving time out of her day to help me find the grad school that fits my personal and educational goals. Katie also mentioned that a mentor will make an effort to cater to your learning style. Mentors are individuals who take the time to get to know you in order to help you succeed.
Through Katie’s time under Miriam, she has learned so much within the lab. Miriam’s level of interaction and attention to detail made us want to learn more about the subject we conducted research in. I came into the lab barely having knowledge of a stem cell, and now I can give poster presentations on synaptic connections, spinal contusions, and transplantation of neural progenitor cells. The turnaround and sudden increase in knowledge was quick and unexpected. However, it is all due to Miriam making the subject so fun to learn about and rewarding us for even our smallest accomplishments. Now Katie and I both know how to dissect tissue, perform cryosectioning, run behavior testing, and so much more.
One thing I learned from interviewing Miriam is that most great mentors had great mentors themselves. Miriam’s graduate school PI, Dr. Michelle Hook, is still considered to be her current mentor as she still helps her through tough situations. Even in their very busy lives separate from one another, Miriam can call on Dr. Hook whenever is necessary. To Miriam, this relationship was unexpected but was probably one of the most beneficial things to happen in her career.
Miriam To Her Minions:
During the interview, I decided to ask Miriam what she wants her “Minions” (mentees) to gain from her mentorship, and her answers were not what you would expect to come from a scientist in their postdoctoral training. Outsiders who do not know Miriam might think her goals for her mentees would be related to scientific progress, but it was nothing of the sort. She wants to see her students become more self-confident. She noticed that many of her students come in with high accolades and are very smart, but are hesitant in their abilities. She wants to be the force that helps boost their confidence so they may carry it on with them wherever they go.
So, What Is A Mentor?
From this interview, we can tell that a mentor is not only an instructor of some sort, but also a person who is invested in your personal development. Their ultimate goal is to help you succeed in multiple assets of life and not just a work setting. Mentors are willing to sacrifice time to spend with you and make sure you are on the right path. Mentors are not born, but made through their past experiences and influences. They are not only leaders but servants to their mentees in a way they provide guidance unlike any other figure in their life. So if you have a mentor in your life, go thank them for their guidance!
On that note, we at the Dulin Lab want to encourage you to Follow The Science!