When your professor knows your name
The 鈥渇aculty-to-student ratio.鈥� You see it all the time. It鈥檚 a measuring point for comparing schools and a talking point for college tours, websites, brochures and more. But what does it really stand for? Why does it get so much attention?
The answer: There are personal stories behind the numbers, and for each one, the plot often hinges on mentorship.
In our 鈥湷怨媳� Mentors鈥� series you鈥檒l read real-life examples at 吃瓜爆料 of what happens when your professor knows your name, your talents, your aspirations 鈥� you.
鈥淎 constant source of support and confidence鈥�
Patricia Fehling is a professor of health and human physiological sciences and the acting associate dean for diversity and faculty affairs. Her mentee, junior Kasia Dillon, is following a pre-med path.
The mentor: Professor Fehling
鈥淲hen Kasia declared a pre-med interest, she gained me as a second advisor in addition to her primary academic advisor. The Health Professions Advisory Committee鈥攐r HPAC, as we call it鈥攇ives students trying to find a path in the vast health field a second career-specific mentor,鈥� says Fehling.
鈥淲hen I met Kasia, I immediately knew there was something special about this young woman, that she was going to accomplish big things,鈥� Fehling continues. 鈥淢y role has been to guide her through her pre-med courses and post-grad decisions. With energy and effort, her aspirations were so clear. Our interactions have been inspiring and inspired鈥攆or both of us.鈥�
The mentee: Kasia Dillon
鈥淧rofessor Fehling has been a constant source of support and confidence,鈥� says Dillon. 鈥淪he鈥檚 helped me find internships and craft my resumes and letters. She鈥檚 also been my professional network guide, introducing me to five different physicians, each of whom I now consider mentors. I鈥檒l even be interning with one this summer.鈥�
鈥湷怨媳� feels like a little family where everyone is looking out for you. The support system and relationships I鈥檝e formed with my professors are incredible鈥� 鈥� Kasia Dillon
鈥淚鈥檓 challenged to think critically about my business ideas鈥�
Tim Harper is an associate professor of management and business. His mentee, senior Alison Ungaro, is majoring in political science with a minor in international affairs and is interested in running her own business.
The mentor: Tim Harper
鈥淎lison Ungaro took my class 鈥業nnovation and Structure of American Industry,鈥� which focuses on several models and theories of innovation. Throughout the semester, she displayed significant interest in applying this framework to the jewelry industry, where she is already a maker and distributor,鈥� says Harper.
Harper continues, 鈥淭hrough an independent study that Alison is pursuing with me, she鈥檚 gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the many facets of the jewelry industry. Every week, she鈥檚 learning more about events, trends and innovations affecting her industry.鈥�
The mentee: Alison Ungaro
鈥淧rofessor Harper was so full of energy, I couldn鈥檛 help but be inspired. I鈥檓 excitedly working with him now to analyze the online luxury jewelry market, something I hope to break into after graduation,鈥� says Ungaro. 鈥淚鈥檓 challenged to think critically about my business ideas and realistically about the market. I鈥檝e learned to see markets, industries, and innovations through multiple lenses.鈥�
One of the hallmarks of a residential liberal arts experience is the opportunity to develop close connections with faculty members, and small classes sizes. But what鈥檚 more telling is that this is one of the primary reasons students choose to come here 鈥� and one of the most common stories told about why our graduates love 吃瓜爆料.
