When I signed up for the Match 100 program, which matches OSU alumni volunteers with student applicants (two years ago!) I had high hopes, but wouldn’t have expected my pairing to be so fruitful. I participated in this program for the duration of my junior year, and while my assigned mentor may not have appeared compatible on paper, she has been a blessing in my life.
My mentor earned her PhD in chemistry from Ohio State. I am a psychology student, also interested in research, but in a very different field. I wondered, how will this work? It turns out, the type of mentorship I needed was not industry insights but career navigation and confidence building. She was just the woman for the job. Together, we found joint interests and topics, and have since continued to meet up once a month.
While I thank her often, to express my gratitude at the official end of the program, I mailed her a letter and art piece (dog and plant themed of course). She was so touched she wrote back about how I changed her perspective of the program (her previous mentee wasn’t as engaged). I really do think I’ve made a lifelong friend. (Pics from our latest impromptu visit at the Chadwick Arboretum.)
Follow up: Over the summer I was contacted by the head of the Match 100 program to see if I would be willing to be a part of an informal video interview to share my experience and give tips for success to this year’s group of mentees! It was really nice to give back and I think when I become established in my career I will sign up to be a mentor myself.