Mentorship

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to be a caseworker for a national mentoring organization. I learned so much in that position! Not only was it a position where I could utilize my Communications degree but I also had a hands-on approach to issues that children and adolescents face daily. The majority of the cases that I handled did not involve "bad" children. The children just needed a little outside guidance from an adult who had their best interests at heart. As a caseworker, I matched several children with amazing mentors that were positive forces in their lives. The experience made me a firm believer in the importance of mentorship at any age.

Though I have not formally had the title of having a mentee/mentor relationship, I have had several influential people in my professional career. I am so grateful for their guidance and expertise. They definitely poured good information into my life.

During my last two quarters at Louisiana Tech, I realized that I needed some hands-on experience for me to comfortably enter the job market. My major didn't have an internship list, but the Journalism department did and it was accessible to the public. I printed the list and did a Google search on each company that was listed. I came across the Ruston-Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau. Timothy was the Marketing Director and I reached out to him via email. He set up an appointment with me, interviewed me and gave me the opportunity to be under his wing. He taught me so much that supplemented my education. He gave me the opportunity to write press releases, create e-newsletters, and develop contacts with community stakeholders. Because of him, I was also given the opportunity to work on the Ruston Peach Festival. I still use the techniques, nuggets of advice and writing samples in my professional life. I appreciate his patience and wisdom.

My first professional position after college was as Community Engagement Coordinator for an advocacy program. I was so nervous that I was going to fail! I knew I had the training/skills to do the job, I just did not fully have the confidence. During my first week, I had the pleasure of being acquainted with Rochelle and Tommy. I now refer to them as my "Work Mom" and "Work Dad". They gave me a verbal blueprint of the expectations of my position but would also steer me in the right direction when it seemed that I was out of focus. I only held my position for 10 months until I moved on to another opportunity, but the months that I spent with my Work Mom and Work Dad have stayed relevant in my current professional life. They not only guided me professionally but also sowed into my life spiritually. I am grateful for them... always.

In my most recent position, I entered into a realm where I have never worked before. I was still hired to do Communications/Public Relations however I was no longer in the nonprofit sector. I was hired into a small division with a busy schedule. Sailor was the director of that division. From the beginning, I realized he was an amazing listener. Even though I was new, he always seemed to see potential in me. Over the year and a half that he served as my director, I simply observed him. He is admired by many people and people never have a bad word to say about him. As I observed him, I noticed that he always spoke and held a conversation with anyone. He always chose his words wisely and he always got his point across. He was simply a genuine person who had an important position but he didn't let that overshadow his morals.

Through these people I have learned so much! Each person taught me something different but I hold all the information in my heart and mind. I crossed their paths at different points in my professional life, but they molded me into the person I am today. The only regret I have is that I haven't expressed how much they have sowed into my life and how much I continue to reap from those seeds. I hope that the incline of my career and faithfulness to my values and beliefs mirror the opportunities that they have implanted in me.

*Thanks for reading Misha's Mentions!!! I would love to hear your feedback. Please reach out to me in the comments section or via social media!*

More Than "Just Enough"

About 4 years ago when I was searching for a vehicle, it was an extremely overwhelming process. Going to the dealership and being disappointed time after time became exhausting. Finally, I went to a Nissan dealership and test drove a vehicle. I drove the vehicle to my parent's house and discussed with my Dad the pros and cons. He told me if I really liked the car, then I should go ahead and process the paperwork to make it mine. While driving back to the dealership, I realized that I liked it but I didn't LOVE it. It was truly a base model vehicle, no power windows/locks or any other bells and whistles. Once again his words popped in my head, "It's your car. Make sure you like it because you're the person that has to pay the note every month". I was so distraught with the "car buying" process that I was ready to purchase the car even though I had reservations.

Upon arriving back at the dealership, I told the salesman I was ready to complete the paperwork. I filled the paperwork out and awaited the financial decision. *If you have ever purchased a vehicle, you know that this is the worst part of the process.* While seated quietly, I could hear the financial manager speaking with the finance company about my situation. He said, "She has steady income, she recently graduated from college, her credit is decent... Work with me so I can get her in this car. It's just a BASIC car. Nothing fancy, let's move it off the lot."

At that moment, I knew that BASIC car was NOT for me. I worked too hard to have just a BASIC car without even the standard features available in other vehicles. At that moment I withdrew my application and proudly walked back to my sister's vehicle (she had to drive me to the dealership,lol) About a month later, I purchased my current vehicle and it was more than I could have ever imagined. It was new and not used, had a few bells and whistles, and even less expensive than the car I initially looked at.

There have been so many changes happening in my life lately but no matter what I have come to the conclusion that I refuse to settle. I want to live my life far above being BASIC, simply because I know that my purpose calls for greater. I have worked hard to get an education and align myself with positions influential with my career goals. Let me clarify that I do not think I am better than anyone, I just have a greater responsibility for my life. I always have wanted MORE and I probably always will... Even though I may be at a point where I may not LOVE a particular situation, I can like it until I get to my determined destination.

Just like the financial manager labeled the car he was attempting to selling me as BASIC and I realized that it wasn't for me. I realize the same for my life. Simply because my life is not BASIC, it is valued. To whom much is given, much is required... I know that my talents have not been given in vain and I trust that they will be utilized to their full extent. I'm more than "just enough" and I do more than "just enough" to get by.

Are you "just enough" or MORE than "just enough"?

*Thank you for reading Misha's Mentions!
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