Each year, the Indiana CTSI partners with IU Health and Crispus Attucks Fellowship to help students explore careers in healthcare as part of their SEED/STEM Summer Program. Students engage in three different week-long rotations over the course of June that help them to understand the function of a specific sector of the health industry. The program begins recruiting mentors for the program each year beginning in January and is coordinated by Matthew Allen, PhD, Professor of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology.
Sabrina Absalon, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, has served as a program mentor twice since she joined IU School of Medicine in October 2019.
“Sabrina is early career, but exemplifies amazing mentoring skills in many respects,” said Allen.
Read on to learn more about Sabrina’s involvement with program. If you’d like to participate as a mentor for the 2024 program, reach out to Matthew Allen for more information.
What made you want to take part as a mentor?
In 2017, when I was invited by Voices from Cell to share the advice I would give to my younger self, I seized the opportunity to emphasize the vital role of mentorship in fostering academic triumph. I firmly expressed, “It undeniably takes a village to construct a scientific career, and today, more than ever, aspiring scientists should possess a robust community that supports and guides them toward their aspirations.”
Mentorship holds immense potential in enabling students to realize their ambitions. As a mentor, my purpose would be to offer unwavering guidance and support to students as they navigate the intricacies of STEM education and careers. I would willingly impart my knowledge and experiences, nurturing their development and bolstering their confidence to conquer challenges. Moreover, I would strive to become a role model, illustrating that achieving dreams in the realm of STEM is indeed possible.
I firmly believe that mentorship is a significant investment in the future of STEM. By dedicating myself to mentoring students, I can contribute to cultivating a generation of STEM leaders that is diverse and inclusive. Furthermore, I can play a pivotal role in bridging the gender gap that persists in STEM and increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities in these fields. By embarking on this mentoring journey, I am poised to make a meaningful impact and shape a brighter future for STEM.
What does participation as a mentor look like in terms of time commitment and responsibilities?
Participating as a mentor involves a personalized and dynamic commitment. Time commitments may vary, ranging from regular bi-weekly or monthly meetings to occasional gatherings based on the mentee’s specific needs. Much like any relationship, mentorship can span a season, a year, or even a lifetime. Rather than rigidly defining the duration, it is crucial for both the mentee and mentor to establish clear expectations and continually reassess them as necessary. Flexibility and effective communication play key roles in fostering a fruitful and enduring mentorship experience.
What would you say has been your favorite part of serving as a mentor?
My favorite part of serving as a mentor is experiencing the incredible growth of my mentee and feeling honored by their trust. Not only does my mentee learn, but I also undergo rapid personal development through the mentoring process.
If you could give some advice to someone who is on the fence about taking part as a mentor, what would it be?
If you’re hesitant about becoming a mentor, let me share some compelling advice. We often overlook the profound impact mentors have had on our own lives. These individuals may not have been labeled as mentors, but they listened, supported, and guided us when we needed it most. So, if I were to persuade you to embrace mentoring, I would emphasize that it leads to genuine happiness. Consider the Harvard study of Adult Development, a groundbreaking research project that followed the lives of over 700 men from their teenage years to their deaths. Every two years, they were questioned about their well-being, both mentally and emotionally. And what did they find? The strongest correlation to happiness was found in close relationships. So, if you desire a fulfilling and joyful life, becoming a mentor and cultivating close relationships with mentees offers an incredible opportunity. By making a difference in someone else’s life, you’ll ultimately find happiness in your own.
