In this Memorable Mentoring Moment segment of the blog, we’ll publish inspiring thoughts and experiences shared by our mentees and mentors in short bites. You can add your own one- or two- liner here and we’ll publish it in this segment.

My mentor was instrumental in helping me choose and realize my career path. — Georges Furon’s mentor 

“Every professional in their field had to start from somewhere.” + “Even if an ambition takes a long time to achieve — if it takes you 10 years to finish — you will have still lived 10 years regardless of whether you chase that ambition or not.” Catherine Yip’s mentor

“You are who you are — a gift to everyone around you and a gift to yourself.” + “Progress isn’t always linear.” Stella Park’s mentor

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.” — Margaret Shih’s mentor

“At Stony Brook, as elsewhere, the squeaky wheel will be one to get the grease.” — 9/15/2021 Open House attendee’s mentor

“Follow your heart.” + “Life is larger than a tenure track job.” — Agnes He’s mentor

If I can use the example of my mom as my mentor (who continues to be inspire and encourage me today and who is the strongest person I know) … “Don’t let the Turkey let you down!” — Samantha Lin’s mentor

“Do you need a tissue. It’s ok to cry.” 曉夕’s mentor

“Bring and utilize the resources from your home country to make your graduate experience a successful one.” — Soni Adhikari

I had a mentor when I first started working who said that my writing was effusive and elliptical. This was not meant as a compliment but it was amazing to have someone read my writing and reflect back what they saw. Just to be read was powerful. — Amy Cook

I’m grateful that my many mentors have given their time and support even though they are very busy people. — Maria Nagan

“Keep life simple.” — 9/15/2021 Open House attendee’s mentor

“See your challenges as a way to pick yourself up.” — Joshua Feng

“Trust yourself. You are the one that is responsible for your happiness.” — 9/15/2021 Open House attendee’s mentor

“College is a place to make mistakes” — Judy Lai’s boss in her first internship

“The sky is the limit.” — Michelle Li

“Stay true to yourself.” — 9/15/2021 Open House attendee’s mentor

“Don’t be embarrassed/afraid to ask questions.” — 9/15/2021 Open House attendee’s mentor

“You need to talk more; there are treat things in your mind.” Jianjing Teng

My mentor once told me that the career choice I had in mind might be right for me. — Dianna Chen

“It’s okay to make a mistake, to be wrong, to fail, because you are learning. The important thing is to be open to that learning.” Kristen Pelekanos

“It’s never too late to make a change, or even get started; be prepared to work your a** off for it.” Jia Wei Cao

“You always wanted to get your masters degree. Now is the perfect time.” (Dr. Ellen Hopkins) — Marie Parziale

I’ve never had a mentor before, but I very much look forward to breaking out of my box and exploring my identity in this world. — Vicky Lou

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