What It Means To Be A Good Mentor & Employer

What It Means To Be A Good Mentor & Employer: A Tribute to Beth Prickett 

For those that know me personally or have been following along, know that I have been working for Austin Community College since June of 2015, but knew that I wasn't exactly where I wanted to be with the college, and that I had hopes to further my career with ACC in the future. And today I come to you with a huge amount of gratitude as I recently accepted a new position at our newest campus working with the computer lab and library services. I'm excited for a new challenge and am looking forward to what this position will bring me. 

I bring this up because during the interview process, I had to do some reflecting on my past experience, most of which has a reoccurring theme. Or well, a person to be exact - Beth Prickett. 

I met Beth not long after I started working for Twin Lakes Family YMCA back in 2011. I will absolutely never forget the day either, as I was in the middle of hosting a rather large birthday party (somewhere between 25-30 kids + parents) and although it was a little overwhelming by myself, I seemed to be holding up fairly well for the most part. And in the midst of hosting, a woman popped in and asked if I was alright by myself, and I told her I was just fine and she proceeded to tell me I was a 'rock-star' before walking out of the room. Little did I know, she was the Executive Director of the branch. I found that out later, and when I did I couldn't help but think how cool it was to be recognized in that moment in general, but especially by the boss of the branch! 

I didn't know it then, but that was the beginning of a wonderful mentor-ship as well as an incredible friendship.

After working in childcare for three years, I knew that I wanted a change, and I wanted to work in a department that was more suited for my degree: Business Administration. Beth knew this and was definitely rooting for me to move in up in the Childwatch Department, up until a position became available in the Membership department as a Billing Specialist. 

Although I had no prior experience in this field, Beth gave me the amazing opportunity to branch out and see what I was capable of. She saw something in me before I even realized I had it, trusted her gut instinct and gave me an opportunity to prove myself. With her dedication in teaching me, believing in me, and supporting me 110%; her instincts paid off as I proudly admit - I thrived in that position. 

Being in that position for more than two years, I learned so much about myself, what I was capable of, and how passionate I could be in a job. It wasn't always rainbows and butterflies, but it was a defining moment in my life. Since then, I have worked along side Beth at Austin Community College as well, learning from her every step of the way, and remained thankful every day for her ability to trust her instincts and have faith in me.

To say it simply, what it means to be a good mentor and employer in my opinion, is to be a Beth Prickett.

Be the mentor & employer who: 

1. Takes the time to notice employees who go the extra mile 

2. Trusts their instincts when you feel you see something in someone
3. Believes in an employee's worth and what they can bring to the team

4. Builds their confidence, while offering ways to help in areas they need guidance 
5. Listens thoroughly and answers questions they may have, and share your past experiences with them
6. Encourages and supports them throughout their career

Beth -- Thank you for all you have done for me in the last eight years. I truly don't know where I would be without your guidance, leadership, and support. I couldn't be more thankful to have met you when I did and had the opportunity to work beside you and for you. You are truly the definition of what it means to be a good mentor and employer, and even more so, an incredible friend.

Do you have a mentor in your life? Tell me about them!