last week I attended a luncheon sponsored by the Association for Women in Communication (AWC). I am a member of DC Networks on Drury University's campus, which is a student chapter of the AWC. the luncheon was focused on mentoring and the benefits one can receive from being a mentor or having a mentor. having a mentor can help you raise your self-esteem and confidence, network with other professionals in your field, and connect you with information and resources that help you learn and grow.
the word "mentor" comes from Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. Mentor in this story is the teacher and overseer of Odysseuss' son.
i started thinking about my own life and the mentors and role models I have had and hopefully the mentor I have been to others. here are a few of the most influential mentors in my life:
Mrs. Marilyn Killian
for four or five years of my life, I was part of the Wichita Children's Community Choir. WCCC was such a great experience for me because I developed my passion for music and choral singing during these years as a child. I auditioned for WCCC in 4th grade and I remember how scary Mrs. Killian appeared, even though she was only around five feet tall. This gray-haired, energetic, and spunky woman was the director of WCCC and truly had a way with directing children's choir. I learned discipline, choral singing basics, and more from being a part of this organization. I also had the opportunity to sing in various all-state children's choirs and the SWACDA Children's Choir. It's because of Mrs. Killian that I am still singing today.
Mrs. Mary Patrick
I was a part of the yearbook staff from my 7th grade year until my senior year of high school. My favorite yearbook memories were in middle school. Mrs. Patrick was the yearbook staff advisor in my 7th and 8th grade years. Mrs. Patrick was such a great advisor and made sure that our yearbook was the best; our book was constantly winning awards because of her great mentoring abilities. I also got the opportunity to travel and speak at a conference as the editor of the yearbook. Without the influence of Mrs. Patrick, I would have never been inclined to consider advertising as a major.
Hank and Gina Johnson
I worked at the Humane Society of Tulsa for four or five years in high school and college. At HST, I worked in a variety of positions, from Weekend Manager to Adoption Coordinator to eventually Executive Director. Hank and Gina Johnson were the President and Vice President of the HST Board of Directors and the owners of the Humane Society. Their kindness and trust in me to efficiently run the center on weekends and later, during the week, gave me utmost confidence in my professional abilities. They expected a lot from me and other employees and gave me a lot of responsibility. Because of the opportunities I had while working at the Humane Society, I can say I have lots of experience working and managing a nonprofit organization. Moreover, Hank and Gina inspired me to be passionate about animal welfare.
Hank and Gina with Me and Cody at our Goodbye Party
Robert Westenberg
At Drury, I am involved in the Theatre Department. For the past four years, I have worked closely with Robert Westenberg, a former Broadway veteran who was nominated for a To
ny for his role as the Wolf and the Prince in Into the Woods. Mr. Westenberg has truly refined and crafted both my acting and musical theatre skills. I have worked with him in Drury's Broadway Cabaret, a performing musical group, and in several plays, including my role as Truvy in Steel Magnolias and my current role of Olivia in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. He has an amazing talents of working with students and helping them become the best actor that they can be. I know the knowledge and experience I've gained from working with Mr. Westenberg will help me in future theatre auditions.
Robert Westenberg with the cast of Steel Magnolias (Bonni, Kat, Sarah, Mary, and Mallorie)
COMMENTS: Who is your mentor?
