Mentors Re-Discovered
September 10, 2009 | Posted by admin When you’re a young adult, I don’t think you really know who your mentors are. If you asked me at the age of nineteen, “who influences you the most?” I would have blithely replied “my friends”.
In my 3rd year of university, I started working part-time at the University as a Peer Health Educator. It was an innovative program at the time. University students taught other university students about important health issues: alcohol abuse, stress management, eating disorders and of course, being the mid-nineties – HIV and STDs (now known as STIs).
My supervisor, Judy, was – just that – my supervisor. She encouraged me to learn more, pushed my boundaries and trusted my judgement – but hell, don’t all supervisors do that?
Heh. No.
Today, I attended Judy’s retirement party. Over the years, I’ve come to realize what a mentor she was. But hearing other students (present and past) talk about her influence on their life, I realized just how MUCH Judy affected who I am today. And I considered myself lucky to be able to *tell* her that, too (most people wait until funerals).
I learned about holistic work from her – working in community services, you can’t just do your “job description” – Judy was the first one to model that.
At the time, Judy – who cared about people OUTSIDE of the workplace – might have been perceived as unprofessional or not knowing where to set her boundaries. Now, I consider her behaviour ground-breaking. Facilitating real communities and caring workplaces.
Judy was one of the first women I met who taught me – “not only is it ok to take care of yourself, it’s a priority”. What a concept. One that I still try to remember to this day.
She opened my eyes to diversity – cultural, familial, sexual orientation, religious — in a way that I was priveleged to have so early in my career. She drilled into me, when teaching – to never assume anyone in your classroom is like you. Instead, assume that they are different. And always assume there is someone in that room who will know more than YOU know about that topic because they’ve lived it.
And, it was because of Peer Health, that instead of being a doctor, I pursued public health.
Mentors. Funny how it takes so long to recognize them. Lucky for me – I got to say thank you to my mentor today.
Happy Retirement Judy!
Categories: Uncategorized | 
Tags: balance, diversity, evolution | 
7 Comments »
Lovely post, Roxy! You probably gave Judy the best retirement gift she could have wished for. Great lessons in there. Hmmm….gets me thinking about who my mentors are.
What an awesome reminder and realization for you and what a gift for both you and for Judy.
I am sure you helped her realize how important she has been, what an impact she has made on so many lives. What more can one hope for in life?
Glad you could give that to her!
Glad you can see what you got from her.
PS My daughter has a career in public health too.
Very timely Roxanne, we just had our mentorship meeting last night, could i share your blog? I am sure that was the best gift Judy could have received. Ris
How wonderful that you were able to find a mentor like Judy. But I'm sure you have taught her, just as she's taught you. A lovely post, Roxanne.
With one exception I realized the importance of my mentors after they were gone. How wonderful for both of you that you were able to recognize her influence at this time.
The mark of a good teacher is to inspire and nurture you to greater things.
Judging by your post she must have been awesome.
I don't know if i can think of any one person who has inspired me that much, but a select few have given me a gentle prod in the right direction!
Thanks for visiting my blog today Rox. Your idea is a good one, unfortunately I already mailed off the art quilt. Perhaps she'll get to my blog, I left an URL.
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