According to Dictionary.com, a mentor is: a wise and trusted counselor or teacher and/or an
influential senior sponsor or supporter. Both definitions I agree with, but through my own
personal growth and journey through life, I know there is so much more to mentorship.
I have lived in Reno, Nevada my entire life. Both of my parents migrated to the US from the
Philippines in the late 80’s, to seek out opportunity in hopes of building a strong foundation and
a chance at a successful future. I am proud to say that through their blood, sweat, and tears, my
brother and I have both been able to find our passion, graduate from college to help further
develop our purpose, have maintained careers that we love and best of all have expanded our
families as we raise our own children.

As I personally reflect on my journey, I understand that although my parents were the main
driving force behind my happiness and the person I am today, the mentors that have coached
me through my journey also play such a major role in sculpting all facets of me. I was fortunate
that at such a young age my parents truly engraved the importance of finding mentors. Growing
up my father would say that if I didn’t know how to do something, if I didn’t know which direction
to take, or if I admired something someone had or did….to just go ask. And as I continued on
my journey through school, adulthood, building my career, and the overall many
transitions of life, I continue to seek out mentors.

In some of my most challenging times, mentor-ship helped me see things through. One of the
most challenging transitions and journey in life is really paving your career path and finding that
one passion that speaks to you and drives you. I remember graduating with my undergraduate
degree at the University of Nevada Reno, with a degree in Community Health Sciences. I
remember feeling like it was finally my ticket to one of the top leadership positions, a huge
paycheck and that I was set. Of course…it was only the beginning to understanding what the
journey to success meant. You see, I had no intention of working in social work (not
whatsoever) but happened to stumble upon it as I was willing to get into some type of work
revolving around public health. I found mentors who not only enlightened me with their
knowledge in the social work field, but coached me to become a better servant and advocate for
my clients. I found that I loved working with people and had a passion for helping the
disadvantaged. I worked in the field for a total of seven years before I experienced burnout, and
I knew deep down that I no longer was purposeful and worked with intent. That not only made
me feel horrible, but I despised being a disservice to my clients. I felt so lost. One day I thought I
had it all figured out and now here I was wanting something different to fuel my passion again.

I remember feeling like I was a puppet to a system that I saw was ineffective in helping my
clients and no longer wanted to be a pawn but a catalyst for change. That meant I needed to be
someone who was at the table developing these systems and/or programs. I knew I loved to
serve, but no longer in the way I had been doing it for the last 7 years. I knew deep down, what I
needed to do…but was I ready to commit? For about three months I contemplated back and
forth, would I pursue my master’s degree and commit to this new journey? Or was I just going to
stay with what I already know and have grown accustomed to? I finally connected with a mentor
who had coached me from the very beginning, and after our four hour conversation, I drafted my
resignation letter and handed it to my supervisor the next day. She solidified my commitment to
embark on the long and sacrificial adventure that was ahead of me…and it
was 100% worth it.

I believe that some of the strongest bonds are created through hearing other people’s stories
and experiences. There’s something about someone else’s journey resonating with your own,
especially those who you look up to. As you set out into the world, or if you are feeling
discouraged, lost, unable to create your own map, look to someone whom you admire. Rather
than becoming envious or jealous of where someone is in their life, their accomplishments or
what they have, convert those emotions and energy to channel inspiration. Ask them to help you
draw your own map out. As you feel inspired, use your mentor’s stories to embrace your own
and the journey ahead of you. Lastly, remember the value in telling your story to those who may
be looking up to you.

This blog was written by Dana Roscom, MSW
Program Manager at High Sierra AHEC