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EQUITY Profile of the Month
As a young professional fresh out of graduate school, I had my first experience with a mentor for a few months ago. The possibility was presented by my employer, the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco (The LightHouse); however I initially didn't appreciate the suggestion as an opportunity of any sort. I was a successful graduate student and a fine employee. After 6 years of university education, I was sure I had nothing more to learn. I began working with mentor Bryan Bashin in March of 2007, and he would have just as much to do with preparing me for the world as my formal schooling. I can now say it was an experience that was both enjoyable and life changing.
I am 25 years old, and am totally blind. I hold a Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from East Carolina University. In addition, I have recently completed all of my requirements for a Masters degree in Public Administration. I began working at The LightHouse in January of 2007. Though I have a significant amount of education prior to working at The LightHouse, my work experience was almost non-existent. I came into my position with a great deal of knowledge but with few practical skills in how to make use of that knowledge in my job. When my supervisor approached me about the possibility of working with a mentor, I was initially disappointed and insulted. I didn't see how this person could help me. As an individual with a disability, I have encountered a series of challenges in life. I was confident that the sheer fact that I had overcome these adversities gave me a skill set that was unique, and that would carry me to the top of the professional ladder.
After further thought, I swallowed my pride and realized I was going to have to open myself up to the process in order to get through it. During my first meeting with Bryan, I quickly realized this wasn't enough of an effort; I had been granted a great opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor, someone who believed in me and possessed the power to teach me how to get where I wanted to go. I needed to do less talking and more listening. I needed to check my ego at the door and fully commit to the process. This was an opportunity that was going to benefit me not only at The LightHouse but for the rest of my professional life.
Working together, Bryan and I focused our time around three core areas: effective communication with my supervisor, project management skills, and strategies for getting recognized throughout the agency. We identified opportunities where I could exercise initiative, drastically increasing my ability to work independently and with little direction. In relation to project management skills, we discussed areas where it would be appropriate for me to exercise judgment. Bryan helped me realize that I had the knowledge base and simply needed to apply the skills I already possessed. In addition, we discussed ways I could get noticed and rewarded for my abilities and efforts.
In general, being mentored helped me to become a more confident and productive employee. My performance has improved, and I have been recognized for the knowledge and skills I bring to my work. This recognition has resulted in The LightHouse offering me the chance to be a part of several exciting projects, and I have transitioned from part-time to full-time employment. I am grateful The LightHouse extended this rare opportunity for professional development. While this mentorship experience has already benefited me in the short term, I have no doubt that it will positively affect the rest of my professional life.
Jonathan Lyens
Email: jonathan@lyens.com
I am 25 years old, and am totally blind. I hold a Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from East Carolina University. In addition, I have recently completed all of my requirements for a Masters degree in Public Administration. I began working at The LightHouse in January of 2007. Though I have a significant amount of education prior to working at The LightHouse, my work experience was almost non-existent. I came into my position with a great deal of knowledge but with few practical skills in how to make use of that knowledge in my job. When my supervisor approached me about the possibility of working with a mentor, I was initially disappointed and insulted. I didn't see how this person could help me. As an individual with a disability, I have encountered a series of challenges in life. I was confident that the sheer fact that I had overcome these adversities gave me a skill set that was unique, and that would carry me to the top of the professional ladder.
After further thought, I swallowed my pride and realized I was going to have to open myself up to the process in order to get through it. During my first meeting with Bryan, I quickly realized this wasn't enough of an effort; I had been granted a great opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor, someone who believed in me and possessed the power to teach me how to get where I wanted to go. I needed to do less talking and more listening. I needed to check my ego at the door and fully commit to the process. This was an opportunity that was going to benefit me not only at The LightHouse but for the rest of my professional life.
Working together, Bryan and I focused our time around three core areas: effective communication with my supervisor, project management skills, and strategies for getting recognized throughout the agency. We identified opportunities where I could exercise initiative, drastically increasing my ability to work independently and with little direction. In relation to project management skills, we discussed areas where it would be appropriate for me to exercise judgment. Bryan helped me realize that I had the knowledge base and simply needed to apply the skills I already possessed. In addition, we discussed ways I could get noticed and rewarded for my abilities and efforts.
In general, being mentored helped me to become a more confident and productive employee. My performance has improved, and I have been recognized for the knowledge and skills I bring to my work. This recognition has resulted in The LightHouse offering me the chance to be a part of several exciting projects, and I have transitioned from part-time to full-time employment. I am grateful The LightHouse extended this rare opportunity for professional development. While this mentorship experience has already benefited me in the short term, I have no doubt that it will positively affect the rest of my professional life.
Jonathan Lyens
Email: jonathan@lyens.com