It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in the Barnard Career Development seminar room with stacks and stacks of papers strewn about the long conference table. This pile of papers summarized the dedicated 80 participating alumnae, and 80 exceptional selected students that would make up 2011-2012 Alumnae-to-Student Mentoring Program. Being that this program was in its third year, I had even higher hopes for its success. At the closing celebration, I wanted more than anything, to celebrate with productive, happy, motivated and engaged pairs.
It is no surprise my hopes to celebrate with productive, motivated and engaged pairs became a reality on Thursday, April 26th. The Alumnae-to-Student Mentoring program is a success because of the commitment and dedication of the alumnae mentors. All of you mentors did not simply think about giving back to your communities, but you actively and enthusiastically joined the program, attended our events, and worked closely with Barnard students throughout the academic year.
It’s been a real joy coordinating this program and getting to hear all about what pairs have been doing. Mentors, these are just some of the things that your satisfied mentees have told me you have done with them.
You have:
· Sent a care package to your mentee during finals because you knew that she, an international student, missed the comforts of home
· Taken your mentee to the Barnard Gala
· Offered another mentee in the program (who you weren’t matched with) a job after meeting her at the Teach and Do Networking Night
· Taken your mentee out for a lovely Sunday brunch on the upper east side to discuss her post graduate plans
· Toured your mentee around your architecture firm and visited her architecture lab space to check out her work
· Introduced your mentee to various teachers and principals in the NY area to help her decide if teaching is right career for her.
· Attended your mentee’s leadership award dinner
Mentors, your contributions have not stopped here. You have also helped the Barnard Career Development Office in others ways.
You have:
· Served as speakers for our workshops and programs
· Shared employment opportunities with our students
· Provided your professional expertise regarding other Career Development programming
Again, these are just a few of the ways all of you mentors have helped our students, our office, and the Barnard Community at large. We also know that these relationships do not end here and they will continue to grow and add to the existing Barnard network. Because of you alumnae, today’s students will be inspired to serve as tomorrow’s mentors.
Thank you for being such motivations, resources and role models.
Warmest regards,
Rachel Tannenbaum, Associate Director, Barnard Career Development
