When Victoria Lopez met postdoctoral scholar Chuck Blajszczak through the 澳门六合开奖 Professional Mentoring Program, she was surprised at how much they had in common.
Like her, Chuck was the first in his family to attend college in the United States.
鈥淚 always used to question whether I could reach my goal of attending graduate school,鈥 said Victoria. Hearing her mentor鈥檚 experiences, she said, 鈥渆ncouraged me and helped me realize that it is possible to obtain a graduate degree as a first-generation science student.鈥
As a mentee, Victoria is the winner of 澳门六合开奖鈥檚 2020 Excellence in Professional Mentoring Award. She is one of more than a hundred 澳门六合开奖 students who connect with industry experts through the program each year.
THE IMPACT OF MENTORSHIP
While his father had earned a medical degree in Poland, Victoria's mentor Chuck was the first in his family to navigate American higher education. He earned his PhD in pathology in 2019 and is now an accomplished postdoctoral research scholar at the University of Chicago. He learned about the Professional Mentoring Program through a friend and volunteered.
鈥淎s a recent graduate, I felt I had a useful perspective to share with students that were about to begin a similar journey,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e also been fortunate to have had many mentors who helped guide me to where I am today, and wanted to serve as this for someone else.鈥
澳门六合开奖 mentor-mentee pairs meet for an hour each month to discuss their goals and experiences. Chuck shared stories about his own experiences, guided Victoria through potential career paths in the sciences, and introduced her to other professionals to expand her network.
鈥淎fter long discussions and advice from my mentor, I got more insight of what graduate school was like and how the programs worked,鈥 Victoria said. 鈥淭his made me feel more comfortable.鈥
Victoria made the most of their time together. In one meeting, Chuck mentioned several internship possibilities in Victoria鈥檚 field; by the next time they met, she had researched those opportunities and came prepared with a slew of follow-up questions.
With Chuck鈥檚 encouragement, Victoria applied and was accepted to the , a bridge program that prepares underrepresented students for graduate school. This summer, during the pandemic, she will continue her research project from home with her McNair mentor, Dr. Oluseye Onajole. She is preparing to apply to graduate school with webinars, a summer class 鈥 and of course, her professional mentor Chuck.
MAKING PROFESSIONAL (AND PERSONAL) CONNECTIONS
Chuck nominated Victoria for the award to recognize her intrinsic drive and dedication. 鈥淰ictoria has a strong motivation to succeed in what she does,鈥 Chuck said. 鈥淗er go-getter attitude and willingness to seek out opportunities make her an attractive candidate for whatever she chooses to do in the future.鈥
As an award winner, she joins Mentor of the Year Jeff Isaac, who serves as chief executive officer of the Boy Scouts of America Pathway to Adventure Council.
Victoria credits Chuck for helping her gain confidence in her own abilities as a student and aspiring professional. 鈥淚 think the most excellent thing about a mentor is when they help you help yourself,鈥 she said. 鈥淐huck was this person for me.鈥
Through the 澳门六合开奖 program, mentors and mentees agree to a year-long partnership. The connections often grow into meaningful relationships that leave a lasting personal and professional impact on both. 鈥淚 hope Victoria knows that she now has an advocate for her in the field, and that I will be here to support her beyond this year鈥檚 mentorship,鈥 Chuck said.
WANT TO JOIN THE PROFESSIONAL MENTORING PROGRAM?
The program welcomes 澳门六合开奖 alumni and experienced professionals with at least five years of experience as mentors. Current students in all six 澳门六合开奖 colleges can apply to be matched.
To coach a 澳门六合开奖 student, . To apply as a mentee, .