How would you describe your experience in the mentoring program?
My experience with the mentorship program has been super fun and nothing short of incredible! My mentors have always been there when I needed them and have allowed me to grow as a student, colleague, and friend to patients, peers, and providers. Additionally, serving as a mentor has been incredibly fulfilling and has even shaped my future career goals.
What are specific examples of something in the program that was helpful to you?
I loved the check-ins and the ability to communicate openly and honestly with my mentors and mentees and to know that we created this awesome symbiotic relationship of support, where we both learned and grew with each other. My current mentor actually texts me at the start and end of each block! We discuss my goals going in and my plans to achieve them and then at the close, what actions I took to achieve these goals. We also touch base about how I'm doing in all aspects of life, allowing me to feel holistically supported and engaged. I try to do the same for my mentees, checking monthly and providing support, answering questions, and listening to their stories of growth and learning.
Do you have any words of wisdom for students who might be interested in having a mentor in the future?
I think my greatest words of wisdom for students interested in mentorship is to go for it! It may require a couple of tries to figure out someone who fits the niche of what you're looking for, but the great part of mentors is that you don't need to have just one that fulfills everything. I encourage all my mentees to have multiple folks who they can turn to for guidance and support across the range of interests, identities, and experiences that make them the awesome future pharmacists that they are going to be!