When I was asked to provide my thoughts on the mentorship process, it turned out to be an interesting exercise.   I started off by reviewing the history of my mentoring experiences and seeing these experiences in a chronological fashion.  I was quite pleased with myself about how many students have been aided by my mentoring.  To some extent, as I was becoming more adept as a mentor, I began to view the whole process as almost predictable.  I began to reflect on this almost overly-proud view of my skills and how experienced I was becoming in aiding students, mentors and colleagues.  Yes, I do possess some knowledge in certain areas, but it dawned on me that my role in mentoring was not about me, it is about you, the mentees.

I tried to find a common thread amongst all the various students, staff and faculty that have come to me for the “answer” to their issues.  After considerable deliberation, it occurred to me that the key element in the success of the EAL program was the mentees themselves and their keen desire to improve, learn and grow.  I marvel at the hope you all come with and your intense wish to become better students .  I am beginning to see myself as a facilitator to channel these hopes in a more directed and purposeful manner.  However, I could not do this job if not for your intense interest and the keenness that you bring to the mentor-mentee relationship.  It is your willingness to take chances and be open to a different ways of thinking that makes mentoring immensely rewarding for me and the mentees.  I see my role as engendering trust in this process, providing some guidance, and showing a humane side to the School of Nursing.  As I am mostly in a non-evaluative role to many of my mentees, EAL students are able to see faculty in a different light.

So if I had one piece of advice for potential mentees, be it student, staff or faculty, it would be that you bring with you that strong desire for change and learning.  Without this ingredient, mentoring would not be possible.

I would like to thank all of my mentees for giving me the opportunity to learn about your lives, helping you sort out your goals and aspirations, and being a witness to the realization of your dreams and the joy it brings.

Best Regards, Liza Choi