Earlier this week, I spoke to the orientation staff about the difference between a mentor and a role model. This week on Top Chief, the contestants had to cook for their mentors. The sound bits were about how these people impacted their lives and shaped the way they cook. This connection got me thinking about those who have served as mentors in my life. I have had four mentors in my life. Two of them guided me into my profession and two guided me through the process of receiving my doctorate. I want to talk about the two who guided me into this profession: Ann G. and Andy J.

While I was an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University I participated as an active member in an organization known as Off Campus Aggies (OCA). Ann and Andy served as advisors to the organization. Like most times, I never thought about the impact these two would play in my life. They sat on the perimeter and observed a great deal. When they thought we could do better they challenged us. When university administrators thought we should keep to the status quo they supported us. I had the benefit of working with these two amazing people for multiple years.

Over time, the two of them taught me so much. I learned how to work with other individuals. I also began to develop skills which would eventually shape the way I work with my students. They taught me the value of being there for students and the joy in seeing individuals grow. I learned sometimes saying nothing says so much and a simple, “I’m proud of you,” makes a great impact. I learned I can hear so much if I just listen. I also learned the value of simply being present. They taught me to be a role model. Today, my success is a reflection of them and ALL that I learned from them.

They both played a role in me being the professional I am today. They saw something in me and pointed me in the right direction. Today, I have an amazing job where I get to work with college students. I know I am successful because I have two great mentors. Something makes me smile is knowing the students I impact and guide into this profession also carry apart of Ann and Andy with them.

Thank you both for all you did and continue to do. I am the professional I am today because you saw something in me which I could not even see. I hope I do the same for others.

Until next time, cheers!

Mikey and I spent a portion of our night looking at our finances. It is easy to say this is not comfortable for either one of us to do. Isn’t that funny, the things that we should do we seem to avoid the most. We looked at our various debt and talked about ways we can work to lower the overall impact.

Finances are one of those things that I need to make myself look at and be mindful of all the time. I would much rather know that money goes into the account and hope that more money goes in than goes out. As most people know, that is not a smart way to live. I am going to try to be much better at being aware of the cash flow as it relates to our personal accounts. We have made a commitment to create a budget for our living and be more intentional about how we spend our money. We will see if this happens. We have talked about this in the past but failed to do much about it. Maybe this time we will do better. I will let you know what comes about in the weeks to follow. If all goes well we will have a better understanding of where our money is going and in six months to a year we should see that impact on the debt. Only time will tell.

Until then, cheers!