mentoring

for the last little while, i’ve been the vice president of the board of directors of my alumni association at the brooks institute.  if you’re familiar with photography schools, the brooks institute is no doubt one of the first names that comes to mind.  it’s been an honor to have even be asked to join the board of directors, and to be able to have a direct and immediate impact on certain elements within the school.

by far the most rewarding experience thus far has been contributing to the mentor committee.  a few years ago, the mentor committee was created by members of the board of directors in order to create a relationship between the students and alumni.  the most common complaint that i’ve heard from students, new and recent grads, has been that they wished to have more education in the business side of… well… the business.  the mentor committee aimed to solve just that:   put a student in contact with an experienced (volunteer) alumni, and get a dialogue going.

i was fortunate enough to jump into the fray right as the program is getting its wheels going.  i participated in a panel on campus to stir up interest among students, a handful of us recruited fellow brooks graduates to donate their time as mentors.  and with the help of the committee chair, kyle sparks, and our two alumni outreach and career services contacts at brooks, ashleigh henry and katie huber, the program is turning.

i’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead, and how the program grows.  if you’re a brooks graduate, and you’re reading this, shoot me an email and become a mentor!