Mentorship

The Value of Mentorship

"What we do in life echoes through eternity".

This quote comes from Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and philosopher known as one of the "5 Good Emperors". However, this quote was made famous by Russel Crowe who play Maximus Meridius, a Roman General who served Marcus Aurelius in the movie Gladiator.

This quote is a little pretentious, but that makes it no less true. In our lives, and really in our public lives, it is what we do that really matters. In this case the "do" can be thought of as how we guide, lead, shape those who will come after us. Mentorship is how we support new professionals, grow in our own skills and knowledge, and ensure the continued work of education and the university. In my view, mentorship is our greatest obligation as a professional.

Throughout my career, I have had THREE key mentors. Each offered guidance and support for different aspects of my eventual professional life.

Becoming a Teacher

My first impactful mentor was the Mathematics Department Chair, Dr. Diane Stratchan, at my first full teaching position. At the time I taught in both the science and mathematics department. Diane was key in my development as a "good", and later an "effective", classroom teacher. She would fight for me, always believed in my ability to grow, and would me with strategies and a clear educational vision. Even when I had missteps, she would support and guide me.

Developing as a Leader

About halfway through my Navy career, a fortunate event happened. I was assigned to a unit under the command of Captain John Zarem. It was through his actions and direct examples that I began to realize what impact a leader has on those they work with. He took the time to mentor, counsel, and develop me as a potential Senior Office who could one day have a command of my own. A strategy that Captain Zarem used in his mentorship was to include me in all those high level conversations and meetings, sometimes with Admirals, to understand the thought process that has to be present in any effective leader.

Putting All the Pieces Together

Later on, it was Dr. Randy Souviney who put all these pieces together. He was my mentor, confidant, and friend for a very long time. As the Director of our program, Randy involved me in every aspect of the roles expected of a leader at the university. This included program development, financial management, cultivating partnerships, and collaborating with the other university leaders. At first I felt as if I was merely "tagging along" to all the meetings and conversations. But Randy expected my participation and input as well. Through this guidance, I gained the skills and confidence necessary for my current role.

So now it is my turn.

Mentoring Effort Quantification worksheet

(UC San Diego Restricted)