National Mentoring Month is an annual designation observed in January, but mentoring is important all year long!
It takes a “village of mentors” to grow our faculty at the IU School of Nursing. Mentors provide wisdom and support for mentees. Through a mentor-mentee relationship, mentors also experience reciprocal support and career satisfaction.
Drs. Pei-Shiun Chang and Yvonne Lu have worked together for several years as colleagues and as mentee and mentor.
Here is what Dr. Chang says about their mentor-mentee relationship:
What makes your relationship work?
When I reflect on the past six years of my academic journey with Dr. Yvonne Lu, I think that what makes our mentor-mentee relationship work is that it is founded in a genuine relationship. From the start, Dr. Lu has taken the time to get to know me and understand my goals and expectations for both research and career development. She carefully considers how best to support and guide my academic journey, instead of imposing her own agenda on me. My field of research, Qigong exercise, is not common in the nursing field, but Dr. Lu supports my research development without judgement, guiding me to achieve my research goals. In addition, our mentor-mentee relationship extends to the personal friendship level, strengthening our bond as mentor and mentee.
What do you value most about Dr. Lu?
Dr. Lu has always and continues to make time to meet with me. Regardless of her other commitments, she is available when I need guidance about research, grant proposals, or award or fellowship applications. Her willingness to prioritize my needs, especially when critical for my career advancement, underscores her support and commitment as a mentor.
In addition, Dr. Lu is very generous in terms of research opportunities, inviting me to be a co-I for her NIH-funded projects. This has allowed me to broaden my professional networks with researchers outside the School of Nursing, to develop skills to oversee larger-scale studies, and to be an independent principal investigator. Dr. Lu also advocates for me and increases my visibility by promoting my work when appropriate, helping me to further advance my research and career.
Finally, Dr. Lu understands the challenges and frustrations inherent in academia, recognizing that some faculty may encounter more challenges than others and offering me encouragement.
What is the meaning of the mentor-mentee relationship for you?
I feel blessed! My mentor-mentee relationship and friendship with Dr. Lu give me a sense of belonging and security. Dr. Lu is a dear friend whose wisdom and guidance have helped me navigate the challenges as I progress in my career.
Here is what Dr. Lu says about their mentor-mentee relationship:
What makes your mentor-mentee relationship work? What do you value about each other?
Pei and I used several tips to maintain a good mentor-mentee relationship, and these were:
- Get to know each other by listening to her personal story, value, and hobbies.
- Know her work experiences (research, teaching, and professional services), and self-identified strengths and challenges.
- Understand her research interested areas.
- Identify and discuss with Dr. Chang her personal goals (short-term and long-term) and expectation of career development.
- Keep an active line of communication (through email or phone)
- Make regular weekly mentor-mentee meetings and provide constructive feedback as needed.
- Empower her to identify her needs and available resources for advancement in research, teaching, and professional development.
- Keep mutual respect.
What is the meaning of the mentor-mentee relationship for you?
I believe that the mentor-mentee relationship is a professional and interpersonal relationship. As a mentor, I am happy to offer support and advice to help Dr. Chang develop new skills and knowledge of research and teaching to meet her career development goals.