Last year, I had the privilege of being a student in the Freshman Year Experience course, Women in Leadership. The conclusion of that inspiring course brought with it President Kathy Krendl’s Mentorship Program, in which I became protégé to Jean Reynolds, Vice President Director of Planning & Expense Management at State Auto Insurance.
Since then, Jean has taught me irreplaceable lessons in setting goals, prioritizing, and developing skills for a successful and professional future. I have had the fortune of accompanying her to events like the DSW Fall Preview Show, the Goodwill Board Annual Fundraiser, and even Disney On Ice with her family. From dinner invitations at her favorite restaurant, to offering her guest room for the weekend, Jean has become an unwavering example of selflessness for me.
Through the Mentorship Program, I have found not only an incredible role model for my future career goals, but also a friend. Even when I may not always listen to every post on Facebook, or keep every coffee date we plan, Jean shows resilient patience. Someday I hope to be able to give back these lessons I have learned, and to become a role model for my own protégé. The Mentorship Program has shown me that we all need someone in our lives to believe in us more than we can for ourselves, and push us to our full potential.