A word of caution
This message emphasizes the importance of valuing and respecting the mentor-mentee relationship. Here are key takeaways from it:
- Mentors Are Valuable Resources: They bring experience, knowledge, and a willingness to help, which is a significant opportunity for growth.
- Respect Their Time and Effort: Mentors volunteer their time to help, so failing to engage meaningfully shows disrespect for their commitment.
- Your Actions Have Consequences: Not responding or engaging with your mentor not only means you wouldn’t benefit from this relationship but also prevents someone else from being able to benefit, as the mentor has set aside time for you. Once you have requested a mentor, you should plan on regularly communicating with your mentor for at least one semester. If you need to drop out sooner, you must contact your mentor and the Mentor Network Committee (awmmentor@gmail.com) so we can make better use of your mentor’s valuable time. Thanks!
- Plan for Regular Communication: Consistency is critical. Aim for at least one semester of regular interaction to build a productive relationship.
- Focus on Professional Development: The mentor-mentee relationship is intended for professional advice and guidance, not for solving academic problems like math questions.
Suggestions for Mentees
Here are a few things to think about as you communicate with your mentor:
1. Sometimes you might be unsure about questions to ask. That’s OK, that’s why you have a mentor. You can ask your mentor what questions he or she thinks you should ask. Or you can tell them you want to know about certain topic, but don’t know what questions to ask about it. They can help you by suggesting directions.
2. Ask your mentor about herself or himself. Tell your mentor about yourself. This information will certainly help as you discuss certain topics and it will suggest topics that you will find helpful.
3. Some mentors communicate with more than one of their mentees at a time, depending on the topic of discussion. If you’d like to be in contact with other mentees or other mentor pairs, suggest this to your mentor. You both may find it fun and informative to exchange ideas within a group
4. Other suggestions:
- Before requesting a mentor, try to formulate some concrete benefits you expect to gain from a mentor. List some questions you would like to ask a mentor.
- Set a schedule for yourself so that you communicate with your mentor regularly and keep in touch.
- Tell your mentor details of your classes or studies that interests you.
- Tell your mentor about other things you like to do. Establishing a personal aspect in your mentor pair will help you to make the connection and stay in touch.
- Check out other web sites that may interest you and discuss them with your mentor.
Thanks again for your involvement – please send feedback as necessary to awmmentor@gmail.com.