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Mentor-Protégé Profiles
Broadening Horizons
Mentor: Kathleen Pavelko, President & CEO, WITF
Mentor since: November 2009Protégé : Amanda Zuck, Integrative Sciences major.
Career goals: Planning for a master’s degree and maybe a Ph.D.
Why did you decide to join HU’s Business Mentor Program?
Kathleen, mentor: Making a connection for students between the academy and the real world of business and non-profits seemed a very good idea to me, and especially so for a university focused on science and technology.
Amanda, protégé: It helps you learn and grow as a person and teaches important skills that you will need in the working world. Networking is very important, and having a mentor could open up a lot of opportunities.
What do you find most satisfying about the relationship?
Kathleen, mentor: I’ve been impressed so far with how well Amanda balances a complex set of lives. Her family is a farm family, and I think she’s the first in the family to go to college. Her fellow students may be from central Pennsylvania, but their backgrounds are different from hers. She seems pretty adept in dealing with people unlike herself at the same time she’s pursuing a course of study (in pathology, among other courses) that’s academically demanding.
Amanda, protégé: It was very nice just having someone to talk to about whatever who’s not really deeply involved with my life. She’s on the outside and has a fresh perspective on things. She broadens my horizons.
What have you learned from being in a mentoring program?
Kathleen, mentor: The mentoring relationship takes time to develop. Amanda is at a stage of her life when she’s completely absorbed in her studies. I think we’re now getting to the place in our relationship when she’s showing an interest in people, issues or activities outside her immediate world.
Amanda, protégé: I was a little unsure of where my career is going, and she gave me suggestions on things to look into. Originally, I was going into forensics. I’m interested in history and nature, and she mentioned archeology, so I investigated archeology sites in the area. It did help me realize I was a little too focused on a narrow area of forensics and want to explore a little farther.
Any advice or insights to share?
Kathleen, mentor: I’ve listened to her talking about the academic program, the day-to-day challenges of roommates, commuting, class registration, etc. In my experience, young people benefit when they have what I call "spare adults" in their lives: grownups who aren’t family members who nonetheless take an interest in their lives and act as models for other adult roles.
Amanda, protégé: I joined as a sophomore, and I would suggest starting as a freshman. It’s a great opportunity. I don’t come from Harrisburg, and Kathleen’s already told me about some things in the area, like parks or restaurants that I might check out. She knows the area better than I do because she’s lived and worked here. So I would suggest, the earlier the better.
A Friendship Formed Over Frog Legs
Mentor: Rich Davis, President and CEO, Team PA FoundationMentor since: Fall 2005
Protégé : George Friend, Computer and Information Sciences, Class of 2008.
Career goals: Practical uses for nanotechnology
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| George Friend |
Why did you decide to join HU’s Business Mentor Program?
Rich, mentor: Harrisburg Young Professionals launched the mentoring program in conjunction with HU and were seeking volunteers. I immediately thought about all of the people who have mentored me throughout my life and had a tremendous impact on whom and where I am today; it was without question that I wanted to try and do that for someone else.
George, protégé: If you do choose to pursue a mentor program, you'll realize that it was a great choice the very first time you meet your mentor. Your mentor will be able to provide feedback on questions regarding the field that you've chosen to pursue, and possibly connect you with other professionals.
What do you find most satisfying about the relationship?
Rich, mentor: I had a great time watching George grow and figure out what he wants to do with his life. I’m not so sure that I could teach him anything that he already doesn’t know. Matter of fact, he taught me in so many ways. It was amazing to attend his graduation ceremony and see him receive his diploma. He was deservedly proud.
George, protégé: As you progress through the years, and as your relationship becomes stronger, it will become apparent that your mentor really is concerned about providing you with accurate information and advice to stay focused on achieving your dreams.
What have you learned from being in a mentoring program?
Rich, mentor: Listen way more than you speak.
Protégé: The first time we met – a very frigid day -- I was wearing a microfiber Claiborne jacket. I commented to Rich that the clothing company should have manufactured the jacket out of nano-fiber to provide an increased level of protection from inclement weather, and we began to talk about the progression of nanotechnology being implemented into the development of products. I mentioned that my future goal is to create a start-up company within a field of nanotechnology. He let me know the steps I needed to take in order to achieve my goals, and that conversation greatly impacted the development of my professional career.
Can you share a memorable experience?
Rich, mentor: I was a bit nervous about meeting George for the first time. His interests include technology and nano-science -- two thoughts that scare the living daylights out of me. I didn’t have a clue about either. George came to my office to meet with me, and it was the beginning of a great journey. We started with small talk and got to know each other. Next thing you know, we were having dinner at The Quarter, and I dared him to eat frog legs. He did, and from then on, I knew this guy was wild. Several weeks later, we were on a train heading to a nanoscience symposium in Philadelphia where I finally understood why George was so excited about this field. We toured labs in jumpsuits and listened to lengthy molecular debates before we headed home. At that time, George looked at me and said, "I think I want to redirect my focus to practical nano use and not be in a lab.” That blew me away! It was first time I knew that I could be helpful.
George, protégé: The first step in our professional development plan was to meet with students who were studying to be professionals in the nano development field. To meet with students, I joined Rich as his exclusive guest at the "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony for Philadelphia's Drexel University Nano Development training facility. While there I sat through a lecture, and was able to speak with Grad students about the work they performed at the facility.
Any advice or insights to share?
Rich, mentor: At first, I didn’t think I’d be able to understand George’s interests and talents. But when I started listening more to what he was saying, I realized that I might be able to find ways to relate to him. I didn’t have to be a rocket scientist for us to impact each other’s lives. So, my advice – just do it. However, make sure you have the time to be fair to your protégé.
George, protégé: Bottom line – it doesn't happen overnight. The mentoring
George, protégé: Bottom line – it doesn't happen overnight. The mentoring program is designed under a development process platform, so it takes time and effort to stay focused on developing a relationship. So, be patient. Understand that the mentor is helping on his or her own time. Try to schedule a time and date to meet, instead of just dropping by for a visit. Try to be understanding of conflicts in schedules, as your mentor will do the same for you. Most importantly, be engaged in the learning process, and gain as much knowledge as possible.
Someone to talk to
Mentor: Ama Appiah, Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP, HarrisburgMentor since: December 2008
Protégé :Ashley Green, Integrative Sciences major concentrating in biology
Career goals: Stomach surgeon or medical examiner
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| Ama Appiah and Ashley Green (seated) |
Why did you decide to join HU’s Business Mentor Program?
Ama, mentor: I had also been mentored once but not in a formal sense. I had older people I could always go to and talk to about school and what was going on in my life. I found that it really helped in my college experience.
Ashley, protégé: I thought it would help to be able to talk to someone who had already been in my shoes and knew how to handle situations I was going through.
What do you find most satisfying about the relationship?
Ama, mentor: It’s good to know that the advice you give someone was helpful and they followed through. In one of our discussions, I told her never to settle for any of her classes if she felt they weren’t right for her. Always talk to the professors and drop classes if you have to. She told me that advice changed her perspective, and she went ahead and did that.
Ashley, protégé: My mentor guided me through different ways of studying so that I could make sure I got the grades I had actually studied for.
What have you learned from being in a mentoring program?
Ama, mentor: You learn a lot about yourself. There’s a responsibility that comes along with it. You feel you can be that responsible, you can be that accountable for someone’s success, which is great, and I don’t think you get to know that until you help another person succeed. The key thing is patience. You have to be patient about your expectations. You give advice and hope they follow through, and you can’t be oversensitive. You are there to give advice and help, but at the end of the day, it’s their responsibility to use that advice.
Ashley, protégé: College can be a very stressful time, but it’s such an important time, too. It’s helpful to have guidance from someone other than a parent.
Can you share a memorable experience?
Ama, mentor: The most memorable time with Ashley was our conversations about our personal lives and some of the challenges she was facing. She trusted me enough to share her life story with me and I will always remember that.
Ashley, protégé: The most memorable time I had with my mentor was the first time we met. She was very open and friendly. I didn't feel like a little kid at a parent teacher conference. She told me what she expected and hoped to get out of the experience.
Any advice or insights to share?
Ama, mentor: The main thing is to be patient and not be too frustrated. I was fortunate to get a very good person who was serious. Don’t feel there’s a barrier to being a mentor if you’re not a tech person. You are not there to help them with school work. I was there to help Ashley in terms of her overall college life, to make sure she gets the most out of it. Those things are global and transcend programs.
Ashley, protégé: Don't be scared. There is someone who has been where you’re trying to get. They have good advice, so take notes – it works. It’s good to have a good connection with your mentor, so if you don't have that, then find a new one. It’s only going to benefit you in the long run.
A Sounding Board for Crucial Decisions
Mentor: Nadine (Amina) Kim, Director, Development Services, Harristown Development Corporation, Harrisburg
Mentor since: 2006
Protégé :Fatima Fofanah, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Biosciences
Career goals: Microbiologist for the National Institutes of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently finishing a master's degree at Penn State Harrisburg and planning to continue study at George Mason University.
Why did you decide to join HU’s Business Mentor Program?
Amina, mentor: To help make the lives of young people who come the city easier by introducing them to Harrisburg. I can let them know where everything is so they don’t feel lost. I also wanted to offer support, guidance and encouragement, and help with their career development and growth.
Fatima, protégé: I am from Philadelphia, so when I met Amina, I felt more comfortable in Harrisburg. She showed me around town and even invited me over to her house for cookouts. She has always been my go-to person for jobs, graduate schools, and just to talk.
What do you find most satisfying about the relationship?
Amina, mentor: The growth and level of maturity the students achieve over the years. Before HU, I assisted some of the residents of International House, mainly international students, from 2002 to 2005. They stayed in touch after returning to their countries. It's nice to hear that they are well and succeeding in their careers and lives.
Fatima, protégé: It is important to have a mentor because you always need someone to talk to. My mentor has been there for me and has guided me in making right decisions. I am attending graduate school at Penn State Harrisburg now, and she wrote me a letter of recommendation.
What have you learned from being in a mentoring program?
Amina, mentor: Mentoring does not require much time and does not have to be structured
Amina, mentor: Mentoring does not require much time and does not have to be structured.
Fatima, protégé: Amina and I have never lost touch. We see each other at least three times in a month. She has always been there for me as my friend and someone I can look up to. I know some students might not stay in contact with their mentors but it would be beneficial for them, especially if they are not from the area.
Can you share a memorable experience?
Amina, mentor: I've had many memorable ones. The best one was when I used to take students to play tennis with Harrisburg Young Professionals tennis league during the weekends. Practicing a sport is a great way to form relationships and learn about many aspects of life. The students got to make friends and meet professionals from many business sectors while enjoying a common leisure for at least two hours a week.
Fatima, protégé: One summer, I was torn between two government jobs. One was at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the other for the USDA. Amina told me to choose the job which would help me with my studies instead of the job which pays more. I chose the job that helped me with my studies.
Any advice or insights to share?
Amina, mentor: Sharing experiences and inspiring and encouraging students can make a great difference in the students' personal, educational and career development. Mentors can also benefit from young people's skills and experiences and the gratification of making a positive impact on someone. The results benefit the mentor, mentee, and society. Mentees will learn the value of mentoring and will in turn become mentors.
Fatima, protégé: Sometimes students lose motivation, and it’s important to talk to someone about it to keep that motivation. I lost motivation in school once, and I just talked to Amina about it, and she encouraged me to just finish out, because four years go by quickly.