I joined recently a program that allows me to mentor an intern where I work. I'm curious to know what this intern will learn at her time here and very excited to be a part of her growth and experience. I hope that my involvement will be fruitful for her.
When I take a step back to think about how I've sought a mentor (or more than one) in the past few weeks, I'm saddened. I spoke to at least 5 people, and only 2 out of the 5 people I met were positive about our meeting. While no one really had anything to offer in terms of opportunities, their positivity was enough to keep alive my drive. While some provided their hopeful insights, some were discouraging in their interaction and almost seemed afraid that I would take their jobs.
Many people add us on LinkedIn, so many without a consideration about what this "professional connection" actually should mean. I'm always shocked to find people, even if just one, who actively seek help but do not actively give help. It's unbelievable. The idea of networking is always so business-oriented that people refrain from "networking" with those who aren't professionally or just immediately, useful to them. I absolutely dislike this term "networking" when really it should be about every single person trying to help each other. I've always believed that the only thing that truly makes us different from animals is our complex mind and our ability to help each other out - so something makes me not want to believe that Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest is totally true, but what might make sense is this:
When I take a step back to think about how I've sought a mentor (or more than one) in the past few weeks, I'm saddened. I spoke to at least 5 people, and only 2 out of the 5 people I met were positive about our meeting. While no one really had anything to offer in terms of opportunities, their positivity was enough to keep alive my drive. While some provided their hopeful insights, some were discouraging in their interaction and almost seemed afraid that I would take their jobs.
Many people add us on LinkedIn, so many without a consideration about what this "professional connection" actually should mean. I'm always shocked to find people, even if just one, who actively seek help but do not actively give help. It's unbelievable. The idea of networking is always so business-oriented that people refrain from "networking" with those who aren't professionally or just immediately, useful to them. I absolutely dislike this term "networking" when really it should be about every single person trying to help each other. I've always believed that the only thing that truly makes us different from animals is our complex mind and our ability to help each other out - so something makes me not want to believe that Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest is totally true, but what might make sense is this:
..with self-actualization being also moral and social responsibility. Without our basic needs, first few tiers, fulfilled, we struggle to think beyond ourselves. I can only hope that we can all climb up this ladder with self-respect and dignity.
Maybe though, for us humans, survival of the fittest refers to the mentally and emotionally strongest.
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