Emilio Lorenzo is the assistant director of career advisement in NSU’s Office of Career Development. Emilio understands the importance of helping students reach their career goals and works with all students, including undergraduate, graduate and professional level students, to achieve their professional goals.
Emily Tasca is a member of the career advisement team in NSU’s Office of Career Development. She works with current students and alumni at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels to ensure that each individual is supported throughout his or her career exploration and planning process.
Just like Luke Skywalker needed Obi Wan Kinobi to reach his full potential in “Star Wars,” you, as a student, need a support system in college to help you reach your career and personal goals. One ideal avenue to explore is identifying and obtaining a mentor throughout your collegiate journey.
A mentor can be defined as an individual or group of individuals who provide clarity and guidance, listen to your struggles and accomplishments and have interest in your success. Many may agree that in this society, speaking your mind or discussing personal struggles is not easy or as acceptable as it should be, which creates boundaries on being able to express yourself effectively. Having a great mentor not only provides you the avenue to be open and be honest about challenges in your life, but it also becomes the catalyst that ensures you are being proactive in overcoming such struggles and reaching your goals strategically.
College is filled with unknowns, and as this is new territory for many of you, it is not always clear which path is the proper one to follow. A mentor can help you navigate through these waters and properly prepare for the waves that will try to knock you off your sail boat. Let’s be honest, there is no collegiate journey that does not have its own hiccups or challenges; however, having someone there to talk to and knowing that they have your best interests in mind is very valuable and reassuring.
Aside from guiding you through different paths, a mentor can be that motivational force in leading you to do more while in college, including taking leadership roles, doing an internship, networking with professionals in your prospective career field and, overall, providing guidance as you develop day by day into a well-rounded individual.
You are probably asking yourself, “Okay, this sounds great, but where do I order a mentor? Will he or she just find me like Waldo, in a sea of other people wearing striped shirts, or is there just an app that I can download that will be my mentor?” Unfortunately, Siri does not have mentoring capabilities, but there is still much more effective ways in discovering the perfect mentor.
One great way of getting started is to make a short list of individuals you have encountered thus far on or off campus who you felt comfortable with. Sometimes, you unexpectedly meet someone who just fills you with positive energy, empowers you to do more or makes you consider things from a different perspective. You can also consider people who you have met who always seem to get you to step outside of your comfort zone and consider the opportunities or goals that you felt were not possible until you met and interacted with them. These people, whether you realize it or not, could all be ideal candidates for your mentor in college.
If you can’t think of someone who matches this criteria, do not be discouraged, as there are plenty of these types of individuals just around the corner. You should consider meeting with your academic adviser, a career adviser, a success coach, a faculty member or even a staff member on campus who makes you feel good about yourself and is always willing to listen or provide a helping hand. Start building a relationship with these individuals by stopping by during their office hours, setting up an appointment or just having everyday conversations in person or via email. The goal is to establish a relationship with someone who you really feel is taking the time to invest in you as an individual, professional and a student.
Overall, mentors are the umbrella that shelter you from South Florida’s unpredictable weather. You may not always need them, but you are going to be glad you have the support available when things get unpredictably complicated. Mentors can provide valuable insights to your own journey and share their own experiences that have led to this wisdom. So as a young padawan learner, remember that your path to success is paved through hard work, but having a mentor is the utility belt to your batman suit that can lead to a more strategic road to reaching your goals.
PHOTO CREDIT: PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM E. LORENZO AND E. TASCA
