My Story with mentorship

Throughout my journey, academia and scholarship has been a point of comfort and hope for me, and universities became a point of focus, community, and success. Very early on, my drive, intellect and unique background was noticed and cultivated by great mentors who allowed for my interest in biology to grow and mature. A high school teacher advocated that I become part of my high school biomedical and environmental advancement magnet program, although I was still taking ESOL (English by Speakers of Other Languages) classes. This mentor affirmed my potential and initiated my trajectory. By the time I graduated high school, I’d grown so much academically that I was tutoring other ESOL students with gaps in science and math.

As an immigrant, the expectation of success was (and still is) imperative, however finding guidance in translating my interest in biology in a way that I found impactful was a challenge. In college, after exploring STEM academically, my genetics professor (another influential mentor!) together with a Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS)-Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE) program exposed me to biomedical research. Eleven years later, I’ve gone to a dozen research conferences; acquired 2 years of teaching experience; obtained a Master’s degree in biological sciences; gained productive research experience in cellular, molecular and developmental biology, and neuroscience. I have begun publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, and have become a bona-fide “lab rat” who is obsessed with my research and with developing improved ways to educate other immigrants and other underrepresented communities.

I consider myself fortunate to have found the appropriate mentorship at opportune academic times which positively benefited my intellectual growth. Unfortunately, I must acknowledge that appropriate mentorship is hard to find, specifically for first-generation American who are minority students; and predominantly those students who are assimilating to a new culture and academic system. My path is an exception, not the rule. It is also important to acknowledge need for improved guidance and mentorship in STEM, in particular for first generation Americans. if you are in need of a mentor, I would advice to use LinkedIn and social media as a tool; don't be afraid to "approach" (DM or message) people who looks like you, particularly those in the field of study you want to be in. I have mentored, coached, and taught students who needed to see themselves represented in their field, myself, and several of my mentees have moved on to successfully pursue a career in STEM themselves!

Higher education STEM programs effectively promotes interdisciplinary training and fosters multi-disciplinary techniques and problem-solving strategies. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of academic mentorship for minorities such as myself. In my case, I've maintained my strong mentoring support system since undergrad (over a decade) including mentors at my early graduate academic careers. These wonderful individuals still nourishes my intellectual and personal growth today. Graduate school is lengthy and extremely challenging, if you find good mentors, HANG ON TO THEM!

Think of a mentor as an investor, they invest time, resources and in some instance, even finances in making sure that you become successful. A good mentor will help support you in ways you didn't even know you needed support in. They will also be your advocate in critical period of your academic journey. Currently, I have a total of 4 great mentors, those mentors who are still an active part of my academic journey.

No, I did not do this journey alone (you shouldn't have to either), I've had great mentors guiding me and investing in me all along.

I am a fourth-year Biomedical Science PhD candidate at Florida State University (FSU). Now I’m nearing the end of graduate school, but my work in mentorship, teaching and coaching continues. I still want to continue to help educate and mentor first generation American minority students by sharing my story and experiences.

FIND YOU A MENTOR WHO BELEIVES IN YOU, IT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY!!