Mentee Becomes Mentor

This past Tuesday an interesting thing happened: I was helping my student worker put up an exhibit that she created and the library director came out to check it out. The following conversation took place:

Director: "Funny, isn't it?"
Me: "What's that?"
Director: "It doesn't seem like that long ago that you were the student, and now you're the mentor."
Me: "Huh. Yeah, I guess you're right."

In my head I was thinking "man, that's weird." I don't feel old enough to be mentoring someone, especially since I still talk to (and need) my mentor quite a bit. Just today I had lunch with another one of our student assistants, and she and I talked about library school and the plan for her life. It doesn't seem like that long ago that I had that exact same conversation with my mentor, and now look where I am - in my own office, influencing other students, guiding them on their career paths and in their lives.

I knew I would never have the type of influence that classroom teachers or professors have, but I am slowly realizing that my influence reaches far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I think it's also a testament to the legacy set up by my own mentor. He has worked with many students, but I like to consider myself his "protege" (and I think he does too). We have an incredible professional relationship, but also a very strong (almost brother/sister) type friendship. He has supported me for 6 or 7 years, and now I get to be that support for others. That is quite the legacy.

I also gave my student worker her Christmas (yes, Christmas) gift today. It was nothing huge, but she was so appreciative, and I realized that all I want is to bring joy to others. THAT is why I get up every day.

I love my job.

(ETA: Seconds after posting, this came through my Google Reader How to Get and Keep a Mentor. Coincidence? I think not.)