The Power of Mentors
Wherever we go, we walk in the wake of the footsteps of others. Those who walked before me – my mentors – made my walk that much better. During freshman orientation at Purdue University, we had the opportunity to meet with an upperclassman from our specific program during a lunch session. As a pre-pharmacy student at the time, I was eager to learn how I could successfully apply to Purdue’s College of Pharmacy program. I began to talk to an upperclassman, who pointed out four big areas on the application: areas to elaborate on community service, leadership engagements, scholarship, and work experiences. As we ate pizza on Purdue’s big green lawn that hot August day, this individual also took the time to highlight the importance of making a strong personal statement and getting involved in organizations that align with my personal interests. And just like that, I found my first mentor.
I didn’t know it at the time, but this individual continued to be someone I looked up to and sought advice from throughout the years, whether thinking about which pharmacy rotations I should complete in my final year of pharmacy school or understanding how to navigate the process of applying for a pharmacy residency. In my second year of pharmacy school, this individual also took the time to further my mentor network by connecting me with a faculty member. That’s what mentors do – they point you in the right direction to allow for continued growth and learning.
When I met with the faculty member for the first time as a second-year pharmacy student, I was impressed with how engaged and enthusiastic they were about my dreams and goals. I remember walking away from that initial meeting feeling like the world was truly my oyster. The faculty member took the time to listen and hear my unique story – about my family’s move to the United States from Ukraine when I was 5 years old, my desire to leave each place slightly better than I found it, and my hopes for making a positive impact in the lives of the patients I serve. The faculty member’s willingness to listen to me several years ago became an essential foundation for the years of successful mentoring that have followed. Although these two individuals are some of the first that come to mind when I think about significant mentors in my life, I recognize that countless others have also helped shape me into the person I am today.
My mentors are champions for my successes. Only because my mentors invested in me was I able to complete a research project from start to finish and give the commencement speech at my pharmacy school graduation. I have failed many times, despite good mentoring. I have applied for scholarships, leadership opportunities, and awards and received a handful of rejection e-mails. Yet my mentors took the time to listen despite these rough patches. They continued to cheer for me and look for ways to help me reach my goals despite setbacks. I found that a network of mentors indeed led to elevated successes but, more importantly, helped me persevere through the valleys.
Mentors – they come in all shapes and sizes. My definition of a mentor has evolved over the years. I used to think that all mentors had to be old with years of experience under their belt so that they could tell you which mistakes not to make. I now understand that mentors can be a year or two older than you, younger than you, or even the same age as you. Mentors are less defined by age and number of degrees and better defined as those who take the time to invest in you, without expecting anything in return. Mentors can be both formal and informal, but I find the informal relationships the most successful. Therefore, I encourage you to look for champions who naturally celebrate your successes with you and support you through the inevitable rough patches as well.
Mentors don’t necessarily have to be in the same city as you, and you don’t always have to ask them to be a “formal mentor.” When I was a fourth-year pharmacy student, my internal medicine preceptor connected me with a pharmacist who had recently completed a residency program in my area of interest, administration. Albeit by phone, this new mentor became an incredible resource for me when I was looking at different residency programs, and he challenged me to really think about what I hope to gain from my training. Mentors also have their own mentors in addition to an extensive professional network. Don’t shy away from asking if they can connect you with others in their network. To get the most out of a mentoring relationship, be honest and intentional about what you want to do or what you would like to gain. As I have transitioned from pharmacy student to resident, I have begun to recognize that we all desire unique careers and have different goals at the end of the day. Although it may sometimes seem like you and your peers have the same goals, we differ in how we want to balance our time and what we aspire to achieve in the long run.
As far as mentor and mentee relationships go, there isn’t just one way to do it. I enjoy sending my mentors an e-mail every 2–3 months to give an update on what I have been up to if I haven’t seen a mentor for some time. This allows for the chance to touch base if schedules get full. Never underestimate the power of an impromptu thank-you card – it means a lot even if it seems like a small gesture. Stay curious in your meetings and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. In addition, recognize that mentors won’t have all the answers. They can provide help and perspective, but ultimately, you decide how to act or respond to a situation.
Remember to think about how you can serve as a mentor in the future. I am in the midst of helping fourth-year pharmacy students with their letters of intent as they apply for pharmacy residencies. I am so excited to see what their future has in store. Each of us has worked hard toward reaching our dreams, and it is rewarding to help someone on their journey to success. You can help the generations after you by offering to practice interview questions, review application materials, or connect them with someone you know who could be beneficial to them. If your schedule allows for a 30-minute meeting to grab coffee, it just might be a meaningful and excellent foundation for a thriving mentoring relationship. The power of mentors is undeniable.
About the Author: Olga Vlashyn is a first-year health-system pharmacy administration (HSPA) resident at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She received her Pharm.D. degree from Purdue University in 2019. Her professional interests include medication safety, global health, academia, and clinical management. She enjoys traveling, reading, running half-marathons, and trying new restaurants in Columbus.