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| Claire Gothard Class of 2019 |
My second year in college has been full of rhetoric about
mentors. Freshman year, I was given mentors from my scholarship program,
sorority, the university, and other organizations I participated in.This year,
it’s been my turn to serve as that mentor and impart the wisdom of a whole year
of college life unto these sparkling-eyed first year students. I spent this
past summer with over 100 students to mentor as an Orientation Staffer. Then I
was given at mentee in the McConnell program, a little sister in my sorority, a
little “brother” in my business organization, and served as a defacto mentor to
students in other programs.
The first question I was always asked when preparing for
these roles was, “Who was a meaningful mentor to you?” This thought exercise
would walk the soon-to-be mentors through how their mentor has impacted their
life and motivated them. My answer would change each time; once, I chose the
director of a program I hold near to my heart, once an older peer with similar
interests, and even one of the litany of provided mentors from my first year.
Every time I would think through the questions and hit a road block. I was
looking for a person who had truly shaped my life and stood out for their
belief in me. Each person, while they had contributed, had just been one of
many encouraging voices rather than a cry heard above the rest. This unnerved
me, had I really not had a close mentor? Someone who really knew my strengths,
weaknesses, and ambitions? A person who could provide corresponding expertise?
Weeks later, during one of the stereotypical philosophical
conversations that happens at random times with your college roommates, we were
talking about family. One of my friends pointed out to me, after I spent time
explaining why I think and act the way I do, “So really, your dad has been a mentor
to you?” It threw me for a second, I thought family members weren’t supposed to
be mentors, maybe role models or friends, but not mentors. But the more I
turned it over in my mind, the more truth I was able to see in the statement.
My father has always had an unwavering moral character and
amazing work ethic. He holds family above all else and despite constant stress,
is never a negative force. He went to Georgetown University, studied Foreign
Service, and climbed the corporate ladder to find a successful position at his
current company. These are all excellent features for a role model, but a
mentor gives personalized life and professional advice and plays an active role
in one’s life. My dad, by virtue of being a good parent, was active in my
development as a moral human. What sets him apart is that he coupled this with
encouraging actions and professional advice. He’s the one that would play
country and capital-naming games with me after dinner and the one who
encouraged me to try an Arabic language and culture immersion program (an
opportunity that has shaped my professional direction). He’s the one I go to
when I don’t know what internships to apply for, what classes to take, or how
to respond to a situation that makes me feel uncomfortable. His constant
presence and advice, which isn’t always the easiest to hear, has made me who I
am and challenged me to grow into a better person.
Claire Gothard is a sophomore McConnell Scholar from Louisville, Ky. She is studying economics, liberal studies, business and political science.