Elizabeth and Xiao Qing
Mentor
Elizabeth is a successful marketing and business development professional. Currently a Business Development Associate at CACEIS, she majored in Communications and English at SUNY, Albany. Elizabeth was the first woman in her family to earn a college degree. Elizabeth was inspired to pursue a higher education because of the guidance of supportive mentors. She became a mentor herself to pay forward the vital support of the amazing women in her life who encouraged her to follow her dreams.
Mentee
Xiao Qing was born in China and moved to Brooklyn with her family in 2002. Only 13 years old when she immigrated to the United States, Xiao Qing faced many challenges. In addition to learning a new language, it was difficult to get used to a strange and unfamiliar culture. Xiao Qing initially struggled, getting into trouble in and outside of school. She was determined to change, and began to focus more on her studies. Now a senior, Xiao Qing is viewed as a leader by her teachers and peers. In fall 2009, she was chosen to serve as a mentor at her school. Her mentee is a shy freshman who recently emigrated from China and has limited English skills. This year, Xiao Qing will be the first person in her family ever to earn a high school diploma.
Getting Involved
Elizabeth learned about iMentor through a close friend, who got involved through his employer’s corporate volunteerism program. She was impressed by the program and signed up immediately. “I was nervous at first,” admits Elizabeth, who had never served as a mentor in a formal program before. “So many people want to volunteer, but they don’t know how to do it.” iMentor’s program structure helped Elizabeth feel at ease in her new role, and Program Coordinator Lauren R. served as a vital resource by answering questions and providing ideas for building a relationship with Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing was also nervous about having a mentor. She had never heard of mentoring before being matched with Elizabeth and did not know what to expect from the program. Exchanging emails during iMentor’s class sessions helped Xiao Qing feel more comfortable with Elizabeth in the weeks before they met in person.
Discovering a Common Bond
When Xiao Qing and Elizabeth met for the first time, they were excited to learn that they had a lot in common. Elizabeth says “I think [Program Coordinator] Lauren did a great job matching us.” Right away, Elizabeth noticed that her mentee was “extremely smart and driven…poised and kind, a free thinker.” Xiao Qing observed that “we both like to help people.” Xiao Qing and Elizabeth share the experience of getting into trouble during their teenage years. They both worked through their challenges, emerging as leaders in their communities. “Trouble is part of life,” says Xiao Qing. “Its part of the learning experience,” adds Elizabeth. Now Elizabeth and Xiao Qing both serve as mentors, helping other young women overcome obstacles.
Experiencing a First Together
Xiao Qing and Elizabeth are the first women in their families to pursue a higher education. “When my mom graduated, they taught you to be a secretary, if that.,” says Elizabeth. Xiao Qing explains “When my mom was growing up In China, they didn’t let girls go to school.”
Before meeting Elizabeth, Xiao Qing struggled to decide whether or not she wanted to attend college. With Elizabeth’s encouragement, she now dreams of becoming a nutritionist and attending Hunter College, CUNY. “The future is wide open,” says Xiao Qing. Elizabeth, who understands how difficult it is to navigate college without the support of family members who have had similar experiences, is determined to help Xiao Qing achieve her goals. Elizabeth is working with Xiao Qing to put together college application materials, including her essay and resume. She also wants to take Xiao Qing on college visits, helping her evaluate the many choices and find the best fit. Elizabeth is proud of her mentee’s poise, intelligence and ambition, maintaining that “Xiao Qing can do anything she wants to do.”
Expanding Horizons
iMentor provides Xiao Qing with a unique opportunity to interact with someone outside of the Chinese community. Xiao Qing believes that exchanging emails and meeting with her mentor in person helps her improve her communication skills and learn about American culture. She says “It is helpful to communicate with someone who is not in my school, who is outside the community.” Likewise, through interacting with Xiao Qing, Elizabeth has learned about the struggles faced by international students. Ultimately, learning about each other’s cultures has helped the two build a stronger relationship.
“We became friends,” says Xiao Qing. “I feel safe talking with Elizabeth about personal stuff, giving my opinions. I learn a lot from her—she is so supportive of me.”
