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Letter from the Editor
Dear Friends:
Have you ever thought of a cliché and wondered if it was
true. For instance: What goes around, comes around. I wonder if
that’s why a boomerang is shaped the way it is…
Last
Friday evening I had the joyous honor of attending the high school
graduation of Kim Dornbush, a young woman I have known since she
was a freshman. Kim and I were matched as mentor/mentee four years
ago as part of the WIN (Women In Networks) Program. Kim chose
me because my business name included the word computer. Kim has
always had an interest in computers. I smile now because we hardly
ever talk about computer related things.
I
met Kim, her mom and sister Heather (dad was at work) one Saturday
afternoon in the fall of 2000. I was just starting my term as
president of SI Sequim. The first outing for Kim and me was lunch
at Burger King. I remember she had chicken strips. We both shared
things about our families and things we liked – for instance:
my favorite color is purple, her nickname is Princess.
That
first year Kim’s choice of future profession changed frequently
– as is expected. Through all her exploring, her parents
were there for her. It is refreshing to see the family support
system Kim has.
In
the spring of 2001 SI Sequim had a Women of Distinction Luncheon.
I invited Kim and Jodie (her mom) to attend. While giving my opening
greeting (as president), I introduce Kim and Jodie, mentioning
the importance of parents and the gratitude for what they give.
Over
the past four years there have been many things Kim and I (and
her family) have shared: birthdays; holidays; movies; writing
letters. Last year Kim joined me when I went back to Illinois
to visit my family. Many of these things have been included in
previous Soropti-Scoop articles.
Recently
I read a book that a friend leant me: “When All You’ve
Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough” by Harold Kushner.
Toward the end of the book, there is a paragraph quoted from a
book called “Seasons of a Man’s Life”
by Dr. Daniel Levinson which says:
“Being
a mentor with young adults is one of the most significant relationships
available to man...The distinctive satisfaction of the mentor
lies in furthering the development of young men and women, facilitating
their efforts to form and live out their dreams...More than
altruism is involved: the mentor is doing something for himself.
He is making productive use of his own knowledge and skill…He
is learning in ways not otherwise possible. He is maintaining
his connection with the forces of youthful energy in the world
and in himself. He needs the recipient of mentoring as much
as the recipient needs him.”
After
reading this (and changing the gender of course :>), I see
a lot of the benefits I have felt in being a mentor. When reflecting
back on the last four years and my friendship with Kim, I must
say there were times that I was the mentee and she was the mentor.
Maybe this shows it is true: what goes around, comes around.
Over
the years, I have learned a deeper respect for my Soroptimist
Sisters and a greater appreciation for the many who have been
mentors for me. Thank you all! And thank you Kim (and family).
Light
and Love,
Kathy Purcell
Editor |
