Mentor Interview

Mentor Interview

1. What are the two most important “take-aways” that I learned from my mentor during the discussion?

     After conducting my interview with my mentor, I was able to learn more about my mentor and her experience within the field. Even though it was challenging for me to narrow down the two most important take-aways from my interview, I was able to select two that I thought would benefit me greatly within my future career. One of the most important “take-aways” that I learned after conducting the interview is that every experience that I have in the workforce is valuable. My mentor stated, “Each job you have is a stepping stone that will lead you to the job that you want.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020) After graduation, I will be searching for and applying for different jobs. Even though the first job might not be my “dream job”, it is important for me to have an open mind and realize that I can still learn a lot through the experiences that I will obtain at that job. Secondly, another important “take-away” that I learned is that it is very important to network and stay connected with your peers that you graduated with as well as to form relationships with other professionals. My mentor stated, “It is crucial to be active within organizations and attend conferences in order to network and further gain knowledge and grow within the field.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020).

2. What are the two most surprising things that I learned about my mentor?

     While I was talking with my mentor, I was able to learn more about her experiences within the field as well as her time before becoming a CTRS. One of the surprising things that I learned about my mentor is where she went to college. My mentor stated, “I went to Longwood University as well.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020). Through my hours of service with volunteering at a variety of agencies, it has been incredible to see the number  of CTRS’ that are alumni of the TR program at Longwood and followed the same path that I am on now. Secondly, another surprising fact that I learned about my mentor is how she also has had the interest of working with older adults within the field. She stated, “Behavioral health can oftentimes overlap with the older adult population.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020). Due to my interest in working with older adults, in the future, as well as dipping my toes into the behavioral health side of Therapeutic Recreation, it is neat to know that I might be able to do both within the same job.

3. What is the most impressive thing that I learned about my mentor?

     Throughout the duration of the interview, there were many impressive aspects of my mentor. However, one of the most impressive things that I learned about my mentor was her view on integrity and how important it is to have integrity within the field. Throughout my whole life, integrity has been instilled in me and how crucial it is to have integrity in everything that I do. While talking with my mentor, it was great realizing that she had the same outlook on integrity and how important it is within Therapeutic Recreation. My mentor stated, “It is important to be transparent and use your integrity as well as your agency’s purpose and mission statement as a guide within your job.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020).

4. After reviewing and reflecting on my conversation with my mentor, what greater insights have I gained about myself, my perception of this internship and my mentor?

     After the conclusion of my interview with my mentor, I have had time to reflect on the conversation. Some of the greater insights that I have learned about myself is the importance to be flexible with the entire process. Thanks to facilitating group activities as well as interventions at Longwood, I believe Longwood has prepared me to be flexible and be able to adapt on the spot. Secondly, I believe that I will be able to improve my communication skills overall through the next 8 weeks. Due to the fact that the internship is remote, my success will rely greatly on my communication skills between my professor, my mentor, and my peers and being able to successfully communicate with everyone in a timely manner. In regards to my perception of the internship, I feel a lot better now that I have been able to talk to my mentor. Originally, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to get the documentation practice and patient interaction that I was hoping for. However, after talking with my mentor, I am confident that I will be able to get practice documenting while looking at scenarios that she will provide me. Overall, I am more excited about the internship process now that I am more aware of what is expected of me. Lastly, in regards to my mentor, I learned that she and I have a lot of similar viewpoints in regards to integrity and being compassionate with the client’s needs while still maintaining an appropriate client/staff relationship. My mentor stated, “It is important to be confident in everything you do without being condescending.” (M. Branzelle, personal communication, June 5, 2020). It is crucial to build rapport with my mentor, my professor, patients, and my peers. Overall, after the conclusion of the interview, I am a lot more excited about my remote internship and I am looking forward to all of the new information I will obtain.

Criteria for Success: Rubric