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Welcome to WhoMentoredYou.org Mentor Tributes. We hope you find these tributes inspiring and meaningful. Tributes are displayed alphabetically by the mentor's last name. Please use the index on the left sidebar to search for a specific tribute.

As we celebrate the first-ever Thank Your Mentor Day on January 15, 2004, express your apprecition to your mentor by submitting a tribute of your own.

* The Harvard Mentoring Project makes no effort to ascertain the authenticity or accuracy of any tributes posted on this web site.

My mentor, Rachael, is not only a role model but also a true friend. I can always count on her when I need her. She's always someone I can talk to without worrying that she might tell everyone else. Rachael is funny and enthusiastic.

In some ways, Rachael is my rock. She listens when I need her to, she's a friend when I need advice, and she's a role model when I need someone to look up to. She's never judgmental and it's nice to be able to vent to someone without being criticized. Never have I ever second-guessed her as a friend. We share with each other our dreams, our hopes, our fears and our goals. Being a mentor is one thing; a lot of people can just volunteer once a week. Becoming a friend, a true friend that someone, another person, can count on when they need to, is a totally different thing. It's a huge accomplishment when you stop being a mentor and start being a friend. And that's exactly what Rachael is to me. My friend.

Samantha B., 15
Chicago, IL

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I will never forget Rita Barger. From eighth grade on, she has mentored me and challenged me to do my best at anything I try. She routinely stays late to help all of her students, and often puts aside research and preparation for major projects in order to be available. She encourages calls to her office to answer questions, as well. Rita is a wonderful person who exemplifies excellence in teaching and she should be held among the finest in the profession. I should know...I became a teacher because of her guidance and dedication to children and the future. I could only dream of being half as good as she is! Thank you, Rita!

Melynda Reeter
Mission, KS

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My Father, Joseph Chaisson, who has been deceased since 1967, was my mentor and best friend. He taught what honesty, integrity, responsibility and reliability were all about and their value, to me and to others.

Raymond Chaisson
Little River, SC

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There is no true definition that encompasses the full significance of mentoring. To be mentored by an individual that one highly respects, admires and cherishes is invaluable. I am very fortunate to have found such a precious relationship, one that I will treasure and carry in my heart eternally. Mrs. Anne Cooper is not only vice-principal of our high school, but my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and my role model. As a current student of hers, she preaches not lessons from a curriculum, but lessons of life, teaching me every day to excel to my full potential. Mrs. Cooper’s accomplishments, both of professional and personal natures, are truly inspiring. The first female administrator of our school, and currently pursuing a doctorate degree, she inspires me in my professional goals in life. Yes, you really can achieve goals, turn dreams to realities. She is not just a mother of four children, but a mother to the entire student population of our school. As busy as her life now is, Mrs. Cooper never hesitates to give her time to me. Always there for support, comfort, encouragement, congratulations, to dry away tears, or to give a warm smile when it is truly needed, she never is selfish in personal motives. I am truly thankful to her and for her. Our relationship is unlike any other, and I know that it will not die out with time, but will only become stronger and last forever. Her words of wisdom, guidance and counsel have shaped who I am today, the child I have left behind and the woman that I am becoming. Thank you Mrs. Cooper. Thank you for your mentorship to me of time, understanding, courage and love. Thank you for all that has been said and done between us, and may we continue to grow together.

Victoria Schwarzl, 17
Port Sydney, Ontario

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I've known Mrs. Shirley for 4 years now. She is actually with a mentoring program for the scholarship I got in grade school. We met when i was in the 6th grade, now in the 9th, and she has made such an impact in my life.

From the first day i met her she had that vibe, ya know, i was so comfortable around her and she gave such a positive atmosphere. I knew I could pour out my soul to her. I finally had a friend to tell my deepest darkest hurts and feelings. At that time I was going through a rough time in my life and she helped me through it. She was there with a smile on her face, ready to fight any battle i had, with me. She's helped me grow so strong in Christ, in education, in really...everything. I seriously can not name any one thing she had helped me with because she's helped me with sooo much! Now she is like my best friend. We do so much together. I go to church with her, we go out to eat, the mall, and i even go to work with her sometimes. She is the best thing that God has ever blessed my life with, and i thank him everyday for her. And I want to thank her for just being the loving kind person she is! I don't know where my life would be now without her with me through my struggles. And any person who ever gets a chance to talk with this wonderful person is lucky. She's not just a mentor to me...but to everyone she comes in contact with!

Ashley Walker, 15
Valrico, FL

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MY MOM : )

Need I say any more!

Diana L.
Hackettstown, NJ

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I was fortunate enough to have been assigned Mr. William Eberle as a mentor when I was a participant in the VISN 18 Leadership Development Institute. Bill and I shared numerous conversations, but I believe I learned more by listening to his counsel and advice. I also learned a great deal through observation of his comportment in private as well as in public settings. What I observed is that there was no difference in behavior, attitude or mode of living based on situational changes.

The message I took from that observation is:

One’s action(s) when no one is watching proves the quality of his or her character.

The value of the mentoring process did not fully materialize until the leadership-training program was over and I was back in the reality of the day-to-day situations that arise in the workplace and in life.

From my mentor I have learned that being trustworthy adds the richness of other people who value your confidence and ability to discuss issues of importance or the smallest details of trivial matters freely - as discussions between best friends. Trustworthiness goes beyond doing what is expected and going the extra mile to achieve personal selfless goals and to help others succeed.

Being loyal provides opportunities to develop long-lasting friendships with those depending on you as a leader, your colleagues and subordinates. Bill stressed the importance of loyalty as a characteristic many successful and influential leaders value when they look for capable staff members who are reliable in the most critical circumstances.

Commitment to excellence in matters great and small shows you care. You care not only about yourself. You care about the place you live – your home, your city, your country and this world. You can and will do something, anything to make it better.

Mark Salcido
Tucson, AZ

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I feel my mentor has done an excellent job of keeping me on task. She provides constant reminders about upcoming dates and events in our weekly meetings. I must commend my mentor for her efforts in smoothing out the rough edges in me and for ideas and suggestions in helping me to better teach my students and to be the best I can possibly be.

Frances U.
Concord, NC

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Thanks a lot for helping me in every one of my projects brought to you, especially in my college essays. Thanks a lot for every lecture you have explained to me. You have impacted some knowledge into me and that has really influenced me to know who I am and what I am capable of doing.
Appreciate you a lot.
Thanks
Love you. You are a great Mentor.

Oluwatosin Tolulope Adedipe
Columbus, OH

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I met Debbie when I was in seventh grade. She was in tenth grade. She was gorgeous, and she sang and acted very well. I was scared of bullies in school, but she chased them away. She showed me the ropes in school. She was there during the tough times and helped me through a lot of problems. I trusted her more than anyone. She was the first person I told about the night that I drank. She knew what I did was wrong, and she wasn't mad and didn't criticize me for being hysterical. Debbie has shown me how to wear my hair, and how to match my clothes. She also writes back on time. Although they say no one is perfect, Debbie is in my eyes. Thanks for everything!

Taylor King, 14
West Roxbury, MA

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My classmates at North High saw him as a crusty old science teacher who told war stories and gave tough tests. To me Mr. G. held an emotional safely net. He let me come to his lab: at noon, before or after school. At sixteen I fought with my parents, missed my old school and couldn’t find friends at my new school. I thought my life was deeper and lonelier than Death Valley. Mr. G. didn’t lecture me, though he teased me about my goofy boyfriends, noticed my hard earned weight loss, made me laugh, let me cry. The only advice I remember from him was: “In ten years you won’t remember this.” I sorted his transistors, played with his equipment and ate my lunch while reading Science magazine. He gave me an adult to trust and a “place to be.” He kept me sane, he let me grow.

Pit L.
Phoenix, AZ

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Besides my mother, I would have to say the single, most influential person in my life has been my grandmother, Frances Hackett. As I think back over all of the trials and tribulation I have had to overcome in my life, I cannot think of one time when her words of wisdom have not guided me or her love has not comforted me. My grandmother has worn many hats during her lifetime. She has been married for over fifty years, raised four children, retired as a licensed nurse, and has always been an accomplished gospel pianist. Her energy and enthusiasm for life has always amazed me.

I, like a lot of children, had very loving parents, who also had very demanding careers. So when I was not at home or in school, I was at my second home---my grandparents’ house. At their home, a majority of my time was spent shadowing my grandmother’s every move---and move we did! We were always sewing, painting, building, learning and dreaming. You could always find us by following the path of destruction throughout the house.

My grandmother grew up during the Depression and still remembers receiving electricity. However, her hardships and age have never made her bitter or any less of an independent thinker. She has always had a way of seeing the best in everyone and making the best out of a bad situation. With my grandmother, creativity was encouraged, follow-through was rewarded, honesty was expected, and kindness was just a way of life. As a child, and now as an adult, I realize just how ahead of her time she has always been. The example my grandmother has demonstrated with her life guided me as a child and now as an adult.

Charity H.
Dermott, AR

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The best thing about a mentor is having somebody to help you learn how to read and do better with math and reading. My mentor is nice, kind, helpful, generous, and pretty. I like to have a mentor because it's fun and she helps me learn how to read and understand math better. Having a mentor is fun because when you learn how to read you can do better in class.

Natasha M., 9
Wilmington, DE

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My mentor is Vy Higgensen of the Moma Foundation located on 126th Street in Harlem. She wrote the play, "Mama I Want to Sing" and recently had a 20 year anniversary of the play over the past two months.

She became my mentor early this year, and has inspired me to do many things in the entertainment field. My desire is to become a choreographer, and Ms. Higgensen has helped me tremendously in this effort as well as in my studies. My future plan is to go to college for business administration and work toward a study in the arts.

We meet basically every Saturday for rehearsals and mentoring. I have engaged in many back stage chores and have met many gospel groups and entertainers in the musical arts. She has also offered me an opportunity to be tutored in my studies whenever I need it. She stated that an education is the key to everything that my heart desires.

Ms. Higgensen has inspired me to know that I can do anything that I want to do, but be aware of all the components involved. That being in the theater is hard work but the end result is the most gratifying thing that I will ever experience.

Through her encouragement, I also have become interested in participating in the debate team at my school, and have won a couple of them. One opportunity that I had in winning the debate was to have dinner at the Harvard Club in New York City with one of the directors from the television show, "Law and Order," and from that I was offered an internship with them starting in January.

Had I not been exposed to the theater through the Mentoring Program at the Greater Zion Hill Community Action Network where I was paired with Ms. Higgensen, I don't think that I would have been able to accomplish all that I have and still been able to maintain my grade average.

I thank my mentor, Ms. Higgensen, and all those people that were integral in helping me accomplish my goals.

Tina Paige, 16
New York, NY

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My aunt was my first mentor besides my parents. She introduced me to live theater and music by taking me to performances in New York City. I have a love for live theater and performance that has never left me. Aunt Eleanor was a pioneer. She was one the first stalwarts that went skiing in NH, climbing the mountain before there were chair lifts. She had a career. She has a wonderful sense of humor. She has always volunteered in her community and with her church. Aunt Eleanor was a role model for me and helped me be a pioneer in my career field and to be a lifelong volunteer. She was 89 on December 31, 2003. She volunteers in a local school in Florida.

Dorothy Grannell
Portland, ME

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When I was in first [through] third grade I had difficulty reading, according to my Catholic school teachers. Back then the special education program was a pull-out class at the public school two blocks down the street. Each day, rain or shine, I'd head out for the walk to Franklin Elementary for my special education class.

My Sp. Ed. teacher was Cindy Jefferies and she made it worth the walk. I look back now and realize she was very young when she worked with us, but she had a real sense of what might make a difference for her students.

Cindy made a real effort to write my name in beautiful script. I was unhappy with what I thought was an ugly name, Margaret. Cindy made me feel like my name was pretty. And therefore, I might be pretty and if I was pretty I might be smart too. It was kid logic.

It was more than just writing my name though. Cindy seemed to know that I needed more work on my self-esteem than I did on my reading. She worked with me and gave me the confidence to read out loud in front of my class.

In fourth grade I began attending Franklin Elementary. I was tested for reading and was placed in the second highest reading level in the class. I was then and am now a voracious reader.

With Cindy's help I learned to be a confident reader too. I doubt that I really ever had a reading problem, but I know I had real difficulty reading out loud because I was scared to be made fun of by fellow students. By caring about me and listening to me, Cindy helped me feel like I was worth listening to. When you feel like you are worth being listened to, it is easy to speak up.

Meg Smith
Graham, WA

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My mentor's name is Sheila. I know she should deserve a tribute for being a great mentor, because she has always been there for me. Whenever I needed her and even now any time I need her she is always there for me. She has also guided me through things in life for the last three years.

No matter what, my mentor is a very good and nice person. I appreciate every moment I have and spend with her, she is a person whom you can trust and let your feelings out to. She really works hard to help me with any problems that I have.

Even when I get mad or angry, Sheila always finds a way to make me happy and laugh. She is the best in the whole wide world. Sheila is perfect.

Jessica A., 13
Chicago, IL

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Do you know Mr. Bill? No? Well, you will wish you did after you hear what an amazing person he is to be around.

Mr. Bill is a fun person to be around. He plays kickball with me. He comes during the lunch and recess period. He kicks far and he is a good catcher. He is also fun because he takes me on the nature trail with a friend. Another thing is that he plays games with me. We have a great time playing two-hand touch and even just catching the football. The last thing I am going to say is that we would play a game of one on one game of kickball. That is awesome, it is also why he is a fun mentor.

The second thing I’m going to talk about is that he is dependable. He is always here unless he is sick or unless he has to go to a meeting. So I can always depend on him to come. I really look forward to him coming and I know he will be there when he can. He will never break a promise even if he tells me he will get me a present. That’s why it’s great to have dependable person like Mr. Bill for my mentor.

The next thing I am going to tell you about is how he has taught me some of the many things Mr. Bill knows. When I was in third grade he taught me how to golf. It was fun because he taught me how to play games on disks that I did not know how to play. It was also fun. The last thing is that he teaches me jokes that are funny. It’s nice to have him take the time to teach me things that I’m interested in.

The last thing is that he is so generous because he brings me presents that I don’t open until Christmas. He brings games that he knows I will play, because he knows what I like. The last thing is that he brings me food from Wendy’s and sometimes McDonalds. I really appreciate that because the food at school isn’t so great!

I just want to thank Mr. Bill for being so caring, generous and fun. He shows me how to be a better person and I learn a lot from him. He is the best mentor there could ever be. I can’t wait for Tuesday because that is the day my mentor Mr. Bill comes to school. He is one of the most caring, generous, and fun person I know.

James Elvey, 10
Newark, DE

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I really like meeting with my mentor for many reasons. She’s helpful, kind, she likes sports, and we like lots of the same things. We play games, we work on my schoolwork, and we have a good time. She helps me with whatever I need. This means a lot to me and I appreciate her because she helps me with so many things, and I know she doesn’t have to. I know she likes to play me in Checkers and Connect Four, even though I always win.

Tiffany H., 11
Claymont, DE

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Why I like having a mentor...

1. We have fun reading.
2. I’m learning how to read better and it makes me remember what I read.
3. Mr. McNair is friendly, funny and likes to wear ties.
4. He likes to help kids with reading and math
5. He would be a good teacher.

Ignacio J., 9
Wilmington, DE

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My tribute goes out to Mrs. Moore. She was my People Helping People and Health teacher when I was in High School. Throughout the rest of my Junior and Senior year in High School, she helped me through the most toughest times in my life! When I was 17 and 18, I had a really hard time with school work, getting essays in on time, and actually DOING the work. She told me that I was such a talented individual, with my ambitions in my life. I never forgot her. I miss her. On my graduation day...I felt proud to walk up on that stage and receive my diploma. At the end of the ceremony, she was at the end of the steps, and I walked over to her, and as I walked over to her, she whispered the words "You did it!" My eyes began to tear up, and as I hugged her, she said she was so proud of me, and I told her "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you." And she said, "Yes you did." From there on, we both had tears running down our cheeks, and that was the end of that.

I went back to my old High School once, saw her again...but after that, I found out she had moved, and she had a baby:) I'm so happy for her and would love to be reunited with her just one more time:) I loved her, and miss her dearly.

Heidi Searls
Cortland, NY

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Jose Morales was a Puerto Rican Studies professor at Rutgers University. He was a student favorite due to his teaching manner where he explained complex concepts using humor and contemporary analogies. His classes inspired discussion and thought. As a Latina, it was so important for me to see a Latino in the world of academia. Almost every Latino student in the university took his courses and came to him for guidance and advice. He was determined to help us graduate and succeed no matter what, constantly reminding us about his own upbringing in Puerto Rico and the South Bronx during the 50's and 60's. He gave the courage to try for an Ivy league graduate school and supported me as I went through the first year of culture shock at Columbia. We speak once a year now and he is proud on what I have accomplished. And I am blessed to have him in my life. If anyone attends Jersey City State University...take his courses!

Sophia P.
New York, NY

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Thank you, Thank you and again thank you. You have changed my life in so many ways that you will never understand. Not only are u my teacher and "mentor" but a role model and good person. You have taught me to have confidence in myself and to always strive for the best. Because of u i know that no matter what happens to me i should always follow my dreams. Everything about you is so amazing. First you were one of if not the best teacher i have ever had and have taught me so much not only in class but all through these last three years. Everything that you do you do to help others, not yourself. You teach lessons without knowing it and give people especially me the confidence i need. You gave your life to teaching when there were so many other opportunities for u... And if u hadn't then in no way would i or anyone you have met through your teaching be the same.

These last thee years you have guided me through some rough and trying times, you put a smile on my face and a laugh in my day. You have taught me not only to believe but to have self respect. Also you taught me to stand up for what i believe in. If i had a bad teacher you helped me through it...U did everything in your power and more to make my life better even if it made yours harder. I now know that if i don't get what i want then i can make the best out of it and that even if that was to happen to not give up for life is too precious. I thank you for using your extras time to make my day better and help me...u knew i needed u. In all ways that u have changed my life...From a teacher to a director to the world overseer, to a "counselor" to a friend i thank you for it all...I owe my life to you and hope one day to be as great as u. ARRRR matey!

Audrey D., 14
Cockeysville, MD

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To my father and mother, my first mentors. They both showed me how to use my talents and skills, how to give and receive love; how important it is to love God and family so that you can give love to someone else.

My father and mother attended every baseball game that my brother and I participated in during junior minor, minor, little and pony league ball. They came to football games and track meets wherever they were. They taught my older brother (a dentist) and my younger sister (a clinical psychologist) that helping others is a part of life. Dad purchased a left handed baseball glove so that we could practice pitching in our backyard, and the ping pong tournaments were classic battles among all of us.

We went on vacation together for as long as I can remember, returning to see family in Alabama and Ohio to stay in touch with those who raised us through them. They gave us the values by which we live today, made the Nguzu Saba meaningful before we knew what it was, and taught us to never give up.

My father and mother, a practicing dentist and assistant respectively, have been married more than 50 years, and have worked together almost ever day of that time in his dental practice. Thank you, mom and dad, for being my first and best mentors!

Gregory Owens
Albany, NY

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I wanted to thank my French teacher with all my heart for everything she has done for me. Things that can not be seen, but rather felt. I wanted to thank her for opening my eyes to the world and realizing things. Things such as that your mother and your father are your only true friends who will be there for you through sickness and health, happiness and sorrow. Many people know that, however, it doesn't mean that they feel that way. She made me appreciate the beauty of different countries, cultures, and people. Before I met Mrs. Marat, I was a wild and out of control crazy girl. In her classroom, like in all the classrooms, I misbehaved. I threw books, papers, pens and other objects across the room. I talked all the time, passed notes, got up from my seat whenever I pleased, and I refused not only to do my homework and classwork but I paid no attention not only in her class but other classes as well. I received detentions everyday. However, thanks to those detentions I got the opportunity to get to know her and understand things. In the end I started coming to her for advice, help, and comfort. It felt nice to talk to an adult who taught me things about this country and its people since I am an immigrant from another country with no relatives to talk to except my mom. My grades improved, my behavior improved tremendously, and so did my outlook on life. Because of such a wonderful and warm-hearted person I became more controlled, calm, content, nice, and carefree. Because of what she did for me, I now try to help other people who need to be comforted, helped out or just simply heard out. Thank you Mrs. Marat for helping me become a better person and putting me on the right track of life. I couldn't have done it without you.

Elena, 15
New Providence, NJ

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My mentor, Lucy, has cared for me as if I were a little flower. With her I started a great adventure. I was only 5 years old! It was an exciting morning when I first met her, in August of 1999 at the Horizons for Youth back to school picnic.

Lucy is a young Mexican lady who loves children. I feel very fortunate to have a person like her with me on all of the Horizons outings. Now I'm in third grade and she has always been very attentive to what goes on day by day in my school life, family and with my friends.

I admire Lucy a lot. When I grow up I want to be just like her! She gets to travel a lot and that's very exciting.

We have shared a great history and great moments, talking and playing together. Our nicknames for each other are Curly Girl (Lucy) and Rainbow Girl (me). We are now more than just friends, I have picked her to be my godmother for my first communion! Now she's someone even more special and important in my life. I know we will be friends forever!

Brittany V., 8
Chicago, IL

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I write this tribute to a person who has made me re-evaluate who I am. By showing me a more simple way of life, she has shown me not only love and assistance, she has opened up a world of doors that go anywhere...absolutely anywhere.

She has made me more mindful, thoughtful, and reflective with every single hour we interact. I am more adventuresome, outgoing, and in the best shape of my life. I owe it all to myself, of course...I did it all for me. But she pushed me out the door. She took the first step with me. Now I'm running. Running along side of her.

John Peterson
Tacoma, WA

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"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." There are no truer words than the words of Winston Churchill. The time you gave at the Point Breeze Family Center has made a difference in the lives of the children in the Reading Stars program. The Point Breeze Family Center Staff and the children of the Peacemakers after school program at McDaniel Elementary School would like to thank each and every one of you for giving of your self unselfishly. Tammy Attama from Philadelphia Cares. Temple University students Meghan Barnes, Christa Bryant, Felicia Christman, Katie Gondell, Michelle Greco, Johnathan Harris, Joe Heidenwolf, Chris Lux, Beth Marciano, Teri Pierce, Alison Scott, Elizabeth Scott, Michelle Strobel, Michael Sylvester, Melissa Thomas, Laura Williams and especially Temple University Professor Michael Dorn.

Beverly Bryant
Philadelphia, PA

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Mr. Rhoades is 66 years old. He has mentored a young man named BJ for over 2 years through the Friends of Youth Program of Communities In Schools of Wilkes. Not only does Joe spend time with BJ but he helps CIS in all types of situations. When CIS needed furniture for a fun room for the children of CIS, Joe donated a whole room full of furniture, everything! The Friends Of Youth has planned activities for the children each month, Joe and BJ are always there helping. Beginning in January, one evening per month Joe will give free art lessons for the children of CIS. Joe volunteers in other capacities as well. He has helped in the cleanup of Isabel in Eastern North Carolina, going down on a Thursday and staying until late Saturday night, cutting trees, or whatever the need. He has taught Sunday School at his church, as well as helped with RA's (a young boy's club). He is a mentor to his own grandchildren. He is always taking them hiking or bike riding.

As the coordinator for the Friends of Youth Program, I can truly state that Joe is a mentor to me as well. He is forever stopping by my office to see me, to inquire what is taking place next, to see if I need any help, and just to lend an encouraging word! Without knowing it, Joe Rhoades has become my mentor!

Glendora Chipman
Wilkesboro, NC

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According to Webster's Dictionary, a friend is "one attached to another by affection." To me, a friend means much more. A friend is a person who is trustworthy, a person who is kind and helpful. A close friend is very hard to find but luckily I found one in Melissa.

Melissa is not only my friend but she is also my mentor at Horizons for Youth. We have known each other for over nine years and as each year has progressed our friendship has as well. Now that I am older I feel that Melissa and I have a very strong relationship. We are able to talk maturely and seriously about important topics.

Throughout my many years of life I have talked to her about all of my friends, family, thoughts, and feelings. Without Melissa I don't really know what I would do. She is a great person that has always been there for me when I needed her the most. I am very grateful and I know that we will continue our friendship for many years to come!

Lisa M., 15
Chicago, IL

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Thank you so much for always being good for a laugh even when you may have had a bad day. Thank you for being such an outstanding teacher and really having fun with what you do. I always loved coming to your class and I know that most of your students feel the same. Words cannot explain how much you have inspired me. I hope one day I can be an outstanding teacher just as you are and really touch the lives of people just as you have. You taught me so much and I wanted to thank you for it.

Cortney K.
Wilson, NY

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My mentor's name is Jennifer. She is one in a million and she is truly special to me. I've known her for close to 3 years now and it seems like I've known her all my life. She always knows what to say about certain things that she has learned in life. Knowing this information she makes it her business to see that she tells me everything that is vital in my life. She contributes to my education by sharing with me the knowledge that made her who she is today.

My mentor is very intelligent and has a lot to offer a young lady like me. She is the light in my long destiny. She is a wonderful person and I am blessed to have known her for as long as I did. Many kids don't get the opportunity to have someone in their life like Jen. My mentor and I have a tight relationship and I hope that we continue. She makes me happy each time we meet. My week becomes brighter once I see her on Tuesday. She gives me the strength to carry on my life in lady-like and intelligent ways. Jen is a wonderful person and has been a wonderful influence in my life. She will forever be remembered in my life from this day forward.

Lisa W., 15
Chicago, IL

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I am sending out a "Thank You" to my Mother, Marsha, for being there for me my whole life. She has never let me down and is a great Mother. She's #1 in my life. I love her with all my heart. I look up to her as my role model because after all she has been through, she is still strong as she ever was! My brother and I are so lucky to have her as our mother! I want to be just like her when I am her age and the rest of my life. I love you, Mom!

Sue-Anne S., 17
Indianapolis, IN

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This committee of volunteers has graciously donated its collective time and energy to mentor technicians in laboratory animal science who are learning to write articles for publication. Each member of the Tech Talk Editorial Committee has mentored at least one article through our process. I wish to say "Thank YOU" for offering your hand to guide, encourage, and inspire technicians, and volunteering your time unselfishly to share your experience.

Amy Ingraham
Ephrata, PA

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My mother is my mentor. I suppose many people will say it was one of their parents who mentored them so I guess this isn't anything new. However, my mother was a rare breed. My mother married a wonderful man, a doctor, a real wonderful father, but he was an alcoholic. He kept losing his license to practice medicine so my family had to continually move to different towns where he could once again start a practice over. This was difficult on my mother, who had five children to nurture. When I was nine years old, he committed suicide. My mother was left with five children and no job. She did not lie down and die. She took a civil service exam and passed, thus allowing her to get a job working as a case worker for the Department of Social Services. She cared for the elderly and helped place them in nursing homes. She started the first Camp Fire Girls group in Pueblo, Colorado. She served on the board of the ACLU. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, not to mention a host of other volunteer activities in the community including walking the precincts for the democratic party and doing court reports for attorneys. Her greatest achievement, which she called her "Crowning Glory," was raising five children (one of whom was a diabetic) under difficult times and doing it well. My mother never gave up. In fact, she went above and beyond at all times in her home life and in the community. All five children went on to be strong, caring, loving and independent adults full of ambition and determination. She showed me strength of character and the meaning of faith. She now resides in heaven, but I know she can read these words. Thanks, Mom, for making the difference in my life.

Melanie Trondson
Florissant, CO

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I am very fortunate to have my parents as my greatest mentors and my best friends.

While the road was a little bumpy in my teen years, we made it through and grew closer as a result. Now that I am older, I see their guidance and support in so many little ways which I took for granted at the time.

I always know I can count on my mom and dad to "tell it like it is" and always be honest and upfront with me. I can only hope to offer the same gift to my own children someday.

Sara Winkler
West Palm Beach, FL

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