When Debbie Feingold, assistant director at the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute, asked me if I’d be interested in mentoring students, I was caught off guard. At the time, I had only two years of professional experience and had never had a mentor myself. Mentoring? Me? What could I possibly offer a student? 

Despite my doubts, I said yes and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my career. My first mentee was a bright student, a few years older than me, eager to leave her barista job and follow a path into public relations. Through our time together, I realized mentoring wasn’t about having all the answers; it was about sharing experiences, offering guidance, and learning from each other. I taught her strategies to combat networking anxiety and how to put herself out there. She reminded me to pace myself and focus on what’s manageable. 

That experience helped me see that I actually knew more than I thought. It was a pivotal moment in my career at SCG Advertising + Public Relations, where I’m approaching my four-year anniversary. Mentoring has given me a renewed sense of confidence, helping me navigate imposter syndrome while providing students with the support, advice, and encouragement they need to thrive. 

Mentorship has become a way to connect, reflect, and grow alongside the next generation of professionals. It’s a role I never expected to fill so early in my career, but it has proven that even a few years of experience can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life and in your own.