Growth as a Mentor: Dr. Bernadette Sanchez Discusses her Experience as a Grantee with the William T. Grant Foundation
Recently, Dr. Bernadette Sanchez, a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, Chicago and recent mentoring grantee, was interviewed by the William T. Grant Foundation to discuss her experiences. The program aims to strengthen mentoring for junior researchers of color and to support the personal development of grantees as mentors. Sanchez focuses on addressing the unique challenges of mentoring underrepresented scholars, particularly Asian and Asian American students, and creating a culture of collective responsibility for mentoring within her institution.
Key Takeaways
- Mentoring as a Growth Process: Sanchez emphasizes that mentoring is a reciprocal learning experience. She actively reflects on her own growth areas, adapting her style to meet the diverse needs of her mentees.
- Addressing Mentee Needs: By engaging in open dialogue with her mentees, Sanchez identifies their unique challenges and adapts her mentoring approach. For example, her work with So Jung Lee highlighted the need for sensitivity to issues affecting Asian and Asian American scholars, such as the rise in hate crimes during the pandemic.
- Collective Responsibility: Sanchez advocates for institutional change by sharing resources, facilitating discussions, and joining committees focused on mentoring underrepresented scholars. She extends her efforts beyond individual mentees to improve departmental and university-wide mentoring structures.
- Institutional Impact: Participating in a mentoring task force allowed Sanchez to conduct a comprehensive review of mentoring practices across the university. This initiative informed strategies to foster belonging and better support for early-career scholars and graduate students.
- Advice for Mentors:
- Active Reflection: Schedule regular check-ins to solicit feedback from mentees and assess the relationship’s effectiveness.
- Tailored Approaches: Recognize and respond to the unique needs of each mentee rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Commitment to Learning: View mentoring as a dynamic process that requires continual adaptation and learning.
Sanchez’s story underscores the importance of intentionality, adaptability, and institutional collaboration in effective mentoring practices. Read her full interview here
