Part 3— My Journey from the Research Bench to the Office Desk

2 Months Down, 16 To Go

Photo by David Libeert on Unsplash

2 months into my new position, I can’t help but brainstorm idioms, figurative language, or spiritual meanings that relay to the number 2.

In Numerology, 2 is the number of relationships. 1 + 1 = 2, so it focuses on interacting with others, cooperation, friendliness, and enthusiasm.

“Put 2 and 2 together” — to figure out, deduce or discern

“It takes 2 to tango” — Needing 2 people to accomplish something

“Like 2 peas in a pod” — 2 people fit together very well

“2 are better than 1, for if either of them falls, 1 can help the other up” — 2 people bring more skills and resources than one

A Tale of 2 Cities — Themes of duality, revolution, resurrection

The 2 Towers — Themes of growth, change, and sacrifice

Now that we are aligned with the number 2, this month’s post is focused on mentoring.

If you have ever had the privilege to mentor, then you know how difficult it is and rewarding. It’s difficult because you must devote time to your mentee. This time can feel wasted because there’s no instant gratification.

But mentoring is rewarding because you watch your mentee grow like watching your freshly planted seedling blossom. The benefits take some time to appear.

And like in gardening, you must cultivate and care for the precious seedling. Give it the attention it needs upfront. Is there enough sunlight? Enough moisture? Is the soil nutritious?

You must ensure that you give the seedling every opportunity to grow and become a plant and blossom. Once it can stand independently, you transfer it into a planter or the garden. You water it when necessary, but it no longer needs as much attention. And then you can enjoy the view and be rewarded for your successes.

“Wow, I helped this plant grow.”

“Wow, I helped this mentee grow.”

We can forget to water the plant. We can forget to nurture the plant. Our schedules get too busy. We’re running late. We rationalize our inattentiveness, “But it just stormed 2 days ago. Why do I have to water the plant again?” “Isn’t the morning sun enough to help this plant grow?”

“Oh no. I forgot to water my plant, and now the leaves are brown.”

“Oh no. I forgot to check in with my mentee, and now they have been working on this project incorrectly for weeks.”

So, mentors, remember to check in on your mentees. Cultivate and nurture your mentees. Mentees, remember to become independent and grow. Make mistakes. Be risky. You must stand on your own 2 feet eventually.

All this to say, I have a fantastic mentor. Very busy, but awesome. We have both adjusted to this new professional relationship.

I now step out of my comfort zone and demand time. Right now, that looks like me carefully listing essential action items, running into my mentor’s office before the next meeting, and quickly reviewing items.

I’m now at the stage where most tasks I can do myself and do not need immediate supervision. If I need my mentor’s assistance, I schedule a meeting for that task. We have also set up mentoring meetings every 2 weeks to devote time to discussing my projects, monitoring my progress, and reviewing my career development. I’ll report back in month 3 on how we are progressing.

I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone and demanding time. I’m establishing my independence. It’s not easy for me, but I know I have to for my future career. It’s uncomfortable at times. I wait patiently to build up my courage most times. This is my internal struggle, my growth area that I, as a mentee, must develop.

I’m a seedling who’s reaching toward the sun. Not ready to be planted but getting close.

Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the view or opinions of my employer.