Over the course of the past two quarters, I have met with my mentor Toka Valu. From serving as a mentor myself and comparing this relationship to past mentors I've had, I learned from Toka the value of more informal mentor- mentee relationships. Instead of treating our interactions as transactions and with a narrow agenda, I was able to share aspects of my life and learn about Toka's that I typically tip toe around when interacting with other "adults" in my life due to more Western views of what professionalism is. I appreciate the insights I was able to gain beyond just focusing on my portfolio or my plans after graduation. This includes discussing culture, identity, systemic practices, relationships, religion and mental health. I hope to apply these practices to my own mentorship.
I am also grateful for the feedback I received from Toka when creating this portfolio. He highlighted the value of noting the struggles in experiencing, which helped me critically think of my own role, impact and goals for future community engagement. Through Toka's mentorship I learned more about more leadership skills that are some times forgotten in Western society, such as babysitting siblings and navigating the system as a first-generation college student. This lends to my strengths- perspective as a social worker.
I've valued Toka sharing his own insights and life experiences, as well as his sincere efforts to learn about me as a holistic individual. I look forward to learning more from him and I hope to stay in contact with him as I continue on from the University.
I am also grateful for the feedback I received from Toka when creating this portfolio. He highlighted the value of noting the struggles in experiencing, which helped me critically think of my own role, impact and goals for future community engagement. Through Toka's mentorship I learned more about more leadership skills that are some times forgotten in Western society, such as babysitting siblings and navigating the system as a first-generation college student. This lends to my strengths- perspective as a social worker.
I've valued Toka sharing his own insights and life experiences, as well as his sincere efforts to learn about me as a holistic individual. I look forward to learning more from him and I hope to stay in contact with him as I continue on from the University.