“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”
– Denzel Washington
I was a terrified first year student. Fighting the daily urge to quit, I stayed put and didn’t drop out, but I thought about it constantly and every year when September rolls around, I remember. It’s a month of change and trepidation for students – of all ages – and families, too.
I remember the verbal jabs and constant criticism from my mom, Sue. Questioning my capacity, chipping away at what little confidence I had. But I found my crew on campus – a team of hearty counseling professionals who took me under their collective wings and hired me as one of their student assistants. Over time, my responsibilities grew and as I earned my degrees, I returned as a colleague and a peer.
Many of us gather each spring to celebrate our 40+ years of friendship and I can’t think of a time when I didn’t cry in their presence. Tiny tears, arriving with a wave of giggles, gratitude and awe. For my good fortune, for the generosity of mentors extraordinaire.
Full circle moments make me smile.
Last week one of my former students, Joshua, found me on LinkedIn after doing a deep dive as an online sleuth, catching up, as he put it, “On all things Vicki”. He’s traveled the world teaching English and making a difference but soon he’ll be back in the U.S., headed to law school.
One of the first things Joshua said in our conversation was, “Why so humble?”, which really threw me. “Humble about what?”, I asked.
“You were recognized as a distinguished alumni and there’s an awesome video about you…but it’s nowhere on your socials or website. I found it by accident when I was tracking you down.”
I smiled. I remembered. Before I left my higher ed career a few years ago, I received recognition as a distinguished alum. Surprised by my dear colleague, Karen, who endorsed me for an award that’s still humbling. Joshua wasn’t wrong…humbling. Yes! I haven’t posted the video anywhere online, but I’ll be brave…and share it with you here.
The timing of all of this is marvelous. Serendipitous. Here’s why…
The day before Joshua reached out, I signed on to participate as a mentor along with other distinguished alums. We’ll receive our student matches soon and I can’t wait to meet mine.
Mentoring moments matter and I’m ever grateful for those who showed me how to be my best self…and I’m excited to keep the goodness going.
-Vicki 💝
Lagniappe? A little more? Watch for news – coming soon – about an upcoming event…a reading from “Surviving Sue“, back on campus!
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue”.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts with talented creatives.
Click here for videos of our podcasts. Thank you!
Victoria Ponders 
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