Goodbye 20s, hello 30s. And a reminder to hug your mentor
...Or high-five your mentor, or send them a thoughtful note. Whichever is appropriate for you. I happen to prefer hugs.Â
I'm also lucky and blessed to not just have just a mentor, but to have many mentors. I'm (naturally) in a reflective mood as I embark on my 30s here in a couple of hours. My 20s, like anyone's, held a shocking number of happy, life-changing eventsâmotherhood being by far the most significant. Anyone who knows my hilarious five-almost-six-year-old understands why he's forever and truly my pride and joy. But beyond Teddy, it's my twisty, curvy, amazing adventure of a career that has made my 20s so darn interesting. And that leads me to think of my many mentors, who, each and every one, have believed in me more than I believed in myself at times. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them, so it seems fitting to make a bit of a public thanksâa virtual hug, so to speak.
The most amazing part of it all is that 10 years ago my current job didn't exist (it didn't exist 5 years ago). I knew I wanted to educate, that I loved history and culture, and kids, and I also happened to be pretty geeky about online communities from the get-go. I could never have imagined how those all would come back to perfectly intertwine in the endâbut in hindsight it all makes perfect sense.
So begins my incredible list of mentors, with thanks...
Reggie Moore: The social studies teacher who gave me my educator wings. She told me I could do it, I believed her, and I did it. Reggie, you're one of those special educators who makes a lasting impact on your students. I've always considered myself lucky to have had you help me not only in my education, but in my career.
Cheryl Phillips: The big-thinking elementary educator who knew I could think big too, and took me along for the ride. Cheryl, you wheeled and dealed (repeatedly) to ensure others saw my potential. Those opportunities led me to where I am today, and know that I'm so thankful that you made such efforts for me.
Lori Sparks: The smart and caring coffee-shop-customer-turned-best-friend. Lori, I'll never forget the day that you told me about The Compass School and insisted it was perfect for me. My year at Compass changed my life, and I have you to thank for it. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Jenny Mikulay: The intuitive professor who encouraged me to dream big and conquer my fears. Jenny, when I left the classroom, it was hard for me to envision how I'd make a difference in this field. Your encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my new path, even before I knew what the end result would be. Now I see it. Thank you.
Richard McCoy: The wisecracking change-maker who dragged me along for the ride (possibly kicking and screaming). Richard, you singlehandedly created more opportunities for me than seems humanly possible. Really all I can say isâthank you for believing in me. And for forcing me to (miraculously) get over my fear of public speaking.
Angie McNew: The forwardthinking museum-job-fairy-godmother who guided me into the (geeky) limelight. Angie, I'll never know how you convinced an entire museum to wholeheartedly embrace me and this crazy Wikipedia idea, but you did. Then you saw me for more than that, and helped shape the job I have today, which is perfect. Thank you.
Modupe Labode: The steady, open minded professor and advisor who showed me I can write about, even spearhead, museum theory. Modupe, you have a quiet way of empowering students to take hold of their ideas. You always know what kind of help I need, and when. Thank you for helping me shape my thoughts. They're going places.
Andrew Lih: The supportive Wiki-family patriarch and advocate and champion of all things GLAM. Andrew, you are incredible in your ability to spot the next rising star and encourage them until they succeed. You know this community inside and out, and I couldn't have completed my year in its "formal service" without you. I'm lucky that you found me.
Ed Rodley: The brilliant mind who makes those around him feel brilliant too, and who is likely shocked he's on this list. But Ed, you shouldn't be shocked! I'd consider you my newest mentor (I collect them, can you tell?) It's your interest and enthusiasm that has given me the momentum to continue on past mere grad school requirements. I see a future in our legitimately-not-crazy ideas, and I can't wait for the journey ahead.
And alongside these mentors (see how awesomely lucky I am?) I also have a few peers who have impacted the past years just as much as those listed above. Jenny, Emily, Colleen, Suse, Liam, and of course Dominic, you each have embraced me for my socially awkward quirks and love me because of them, you hear of my (and our) trials and stresses and celebrate our successes, and you encourage me to grow every day. Thank you for being there. <3
Also, because your mom is always your first mentor, I will say simply... Mom, I'm more like you with every year that passes, and I couldn't be prouder to say that.