My reflections as an AIC/Webster mentor
By Tanika
The AIC Webster Mentorship program is now in full swing, and we've crossed the halfway mark for this academic year. As a mentor, I've found the experience both rewarding and energizing.
My mentee, Farida, and I have been meeting consistently once a month, each session guided by a clear plan and purpose. She's pursuing a BSc in Psychology at Webster University and is considering a career in neuroscience, possibly continuing on to a master's degree. When I learned about her interests, I knew immediately that we'd work well together. I completed both my MSc and PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), so I've walked the path she's contemplating.
Our early conversations focused on the practical realities of student life in Geneva: navigating housing, securing funding, managing budgets, and balancing student jobs. From there, we began narrowing down her interests within neuroscience, exploring specific topics and research areas that captured her curiosity. Together, we identified several labs at UNIGE that aligned with her goals. I've been reaching out to colleagues and former labmates to arrange informational meetings for her. These are opportunities to peek behind the curtain of lab life and, hopefully, to secure a summer internship where she can gain hands-on experience.
What strikes me most about Farida is her conscientiousness and organization. She always follows through on the tasks we set during our meetings and comes to each session well-prepared. On a personal level, she's easy to talk to, and her enthusiasm is infectious. I'm happy to be her mentor, and honestly, I don't plan to stop when the program officially ends in April.
But mentorship in this program extends beyond the one-on-one relationships. A few weeks ago, we held a speed-interview workshop where mentors interviewed mentees and provided feedback on their responses and techniques. Since we weren't familiar with each mentee's specific background, we kept questions general but encouraged them to draw on concrete examples from their everyday lives. One psychology student I interviewed particularly impressed me. When I asked more specific questions about neuroscience and psychology, she responded thoughtfully, taking time to deliberate before answering.
I think I can speak for all the mentors when I say we're genuinely excited about these students' futures and everything they're going to accomplish. Watching them take these early steps in their careers is a privilege, and being part of their journey, even in a small way, is incredibly fulfilling.