Meaghan: What are some of qualities that you think makes a great mentor?
 

Kelsey: I think the most important thing a mentor can do is to ask good, probing questions. For anyone, it's harder to navigate difficult situations when you're right in the thick of them. As mentors, we don't get to see our mentees in action, so it can be challenging to give exacting advice. Asking good and pointed questions, however, can prompt your mentee to think through challenges in new ways and from new angles that they may not have otherwise considered. This will hopefully make them more equipped to make the decision or choose a course of action that is right for them. 
  

Meaghan: How have you been influenced by a mentor?
 

Kelsey: Looking back on my career, my best mentors were people who I didn't even recognize as filling a mentor role until after years of working with them. These informal beginnings were probably helpful because I'm not sure I would have known back then how to use a mentor under a formal structure. Informally, however, these mentors pushed me to be my best and not back down from challenges; they gave me confidence boosts when I needed them, helped me make some tough decisions, and were some of my best cheerleaders when I hit exciting milestones. Having this experience not only propelled me early in my career, but also allowed me to see the value in mentors when I reached a stage where seeking mentorship was discussed more explicitly. Now I actively seek out new mentorship opportunities, both as a mentee and a mentor, and I am constantly grateful that I have these relationships. 
 

Meaghan: Where would someone seek out a mentor? Will it just happen or does it work best in a formal program?

Kelsey: I think everyone should have at least one mentor and having more than one is even better. Ideally, you'd have a few mentors that were established both through formal and informal relationships. Formal structure is great because you can say, "I want to know about X and you have great experience at X, please teach me!" It's a great way of getting very focused advice and information from an expert in an area where you know want to grow. On the other hand, because relationships with informal mentors evolve organically over a mutual interest or touch point, it can be easier to discuss more personal issues with them because you already have at least one strong relating point with them. Also, sometimes these mentors, over the course of casual conversation, can identify even before you do when there is something you need to actively address.
 
Meaghan: It is often said in education that student and teacher are student and teacher simultaneously. How does this idea fit in with your Mentoring?

Kelsey: I think it's really important for mentors to recognize that, while they may have more years of experience or expertise in a particular area, we don't know everything. Great ideas and lifelong learning can come from anywhere and anyone, including mentees.  Often times I think one of the most valuable things a mentor can provide is just being a good listener and, who knows, you might just learn something while you're at it! I personally believe that mentoring relationships can be very symbiotic and the experience is greatly enhanced when both the mentor and mentee recognize that potential.