My Mentor, My Friend

The Career Development Mentor Program at the University of Southern California, is a unique mentoring program pairing undergraduate and graduate students of the School of Policy, Planning, and Development with a working professional for a negotiated period of time during the academic year. Mentors and mentees select each other based on common career and academic interests, as well as other experiences. The following poem appears in the Handbook for Mentors and Mentees and is used with permission:

My Mentor, My Friend

Thank you for allowing me
the opportunity
to learn from you
when I was seeking so much knowledge
when I was asking many questions
you patiently listened and answered accordingly
never showing signs of frustration

Thank you for taking the time
to show me the necessary skills today
that will lead me with confidence into tomorrow
for believing in me and having enough faith
to share your work
your dreams
and your vision

Thank you for accepting me as I am
with all my eagerness
and my sheer joy over the little things…
you never tried to squelch that spirit in me
Instead, you have encouraged that spirit
and for that, I do thank you

I realized the knowledge I need for work can be learned anywhere,
taught by most anyone
but the life skills I needed that go along with it…
well, that would have to be taught by a very unique individual
with a very special gift for giving
a gift of patience and understanding
that someone is you, my Mentor
and now, my friend

© Theresa Genter