Mentoring Tributes
Do you have a tribute you'd like to share? We'd like to know how a mentor, or mentoring, has made a difference. Tributes can be sent to the Mentoring Coordinator at mentoring@calvin.edu.

The following tributes speak to the power a mentorship can have in a student's life.

"My mentor, Abby, had provided an opportunity to relieve my stress and worries, and to check myself in everyday life....The highlight of this program was that I was able to open to somone so easily who I never knew before. In addition, I received encouragement, support, love, and care from this relationship, which is hard to receive in this busy life. This year has been so much easier for me compared to last year, just because of this program. I felt more welcomed and encouraged by the Calvin community."
~Gloria

"Dr. Rachel Reed is a spirited, compassionate, live-life-to-the-fullest kind of woman...She inspires me to try new things and go outside of my comfort zone. She pushes me and allows me to see things from new vantage points. I have great respect for her and am very thankful to have her in my life. Through her support and guidance, I have grown...and have become more independent and confident in myself."
~Ashley

"Prof. Mpesha has become much more than a mentor to me, he's become someone I look to as a friend and as an older person I can be on the same level with as well as respect."
~Genesis

"I had never imagined how much I would grow in my walk with Christ simply by talking about it with someone...What I love best about our relationship is that while Karin lets me speak and always listens, she never just listens...Talking to Karin forces me to do more than talk. It forces me to think: about my relationships and why they are the way they are, about my faith and what I believe, about how I'm going to put my ideas into action. She won't let me settle for just talk, and that push into contemplation and then action is exactly what I've needed."
~Jenna

"...Prof. Abadeer has struggled a lot to be where he is today. Through his accomplishments and hardships I have been shown what is very important and key to living a humble and worthy life: my relationship with Christ. Professor Abadeer is a strong Christian and through his mentorship he has impacted me in a way that will help me throughout my college career as well as in the working world...Mr. Abadeer has been a blessing to me, in many ways. He is accountable in his faith and expects nothing less out of me. He asks me tough questions, questions that my parents would ask to keep me in line..."
~Gitau

"Choosing to have a mentoring relationship this school year has been one of the most rewarding choices I've ever made. My mentor, Gill, and I meet every other week and it is a time I look forward to immensely. Gill and I have become good friends and we share our lives with each other...Gill has provided a sympathetic, listening ear and well-needed advice, and she has also taken turns sharing with me about her own life....The biggest blessing has been Gill's friendship, support, and encouragement..."
Jessie

"'My mentor [Steve] made me feel comfortable enough and I was able to break the shell that I was hiding under. It was challenging for me to accept the idea that my mentor could actually be my friend but by his love and caring we succeeded on becoming close friends. It was also hard for me to trust somebody that I never knew before but after some time my mentor really proved to be trustworthy. It is a blessing that we have a strong relationship..."
~Fred

"My mentoring relationship with Misty this year has been the biggest blessing I could have ever imagined. She has helped me to grow in so many ways...I feel completely comfortable telling her anything and everything that is going on in my life...She has really helped me to realize that with everything I need to let God take control. Because we both are planners and like to have control that can be hard but she always encourages me and lets m know it is the right thing and the only way...It is usually the highlight of my week when I meet with her. She has become one of my closest friends and biggest influences in my life. God definitely put her in my life this year for a...reason...She is such a strong woman, but is not afraid to show me that she struggles too. She has become such a huge role model for my life and I sincerely hope to have a lifelong friendship with her. No matter what happens, I feel that Misty and I will remain close throughout my years at Calvin...She is just such an amazing woman and I feel sincerely blessed to be able to have her as a mentor."
~Catherine

"I feel that my mentoring experience has helped me better understand relationships. It is not often that I get to converse with people who are older than me that aren't my parents or professors. I also feel this relationship has allowed me to mature as a person beyond my more youthful interactions to a more serious, sincere way of dialoguing with people. I very much appreciate that Dr. Hanson and I are in different fields of study, as I now have a greater affinity for an area I have previously had little interaction with. This has led me to understand a more personal desire to be well-rounded and not limited to a few areas of interest."
~Jonathan

Click here for the tribute archives.

If you have a tribute you'd like to share, email your thoughts to us at mentoring@calvin.edu.