GRAND PRIZE WINNER: "Together - Building the Future"
Cynthia Gilley, The Weather Channel, mentor
Katharine Horst, University of Wisconsin - Madison, protégé

I first heard about the MentorNet program two years ago, and it seemed to offer an interesting opportunity, and a chance to try something new. I didn't really know what to expect. I thought it would be rewarding, but it has turned out to be so much more than I could have imagined. Little did I know how much it would impact my life.

My mentoring experience has taken me to the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where I "met" Katie Horst. I wondered how different Katie and I may be, coming from different parts of the country. It turns out that Katie is much like me, when I was in college; and that there are some things that transcend time, generation and geography. I found myself venturing back to my college days, and being reminded of the myriad of feelings that I had as a young woman, at college, away from my family for the first time. I remembered the excitement and the frustration, the joy and the fear.

Mentoring Katie has caused me to reflect not only on my past, but also on my own present and future. ~ Cynthia Gilley

I wish that a program like MentorNet had existed when I was in college! It would have helped make my passage easier, and more meaningful. I hope that is what I am doing for Katie - building her up, and helping her have the confidence to take on whatever challenges come her way; whether preparing for exams, selecting classes, or juggling a busy schedule to find some time for herself. Katie says that my advice has meant so much more to her, having been through similar experiences myself. She said that MentorNet has been an enlightening experience for her, and that I have helped her to be certain of her career path in the earth sciences. I really knew that I was making a difference when Katie shared, "Recently, I was worried about getting an 'A' in my physics class, and I was stressed out about it, thinking how it may affect my future career. You were the one who gave me the 'attitude-altering' words of wisdom. Every day I remember what you told me, and relax a little. Most of the time, a few minutes of calm can make all of the difference in the world."

Mentoring Katie has caused me to reflect not only on my past, but also on my own present and future. It has given me a fresh perspective on my career, and a sense of what is still possible in my own life. My advice to Katie, of, "Have confidence, you can do it!" is something I need to remember too, as I face new challenges this year in my career.

I have had the privilege to get to know a wonderful young woman. Her sense of adventure and youthful enthusiasm has helped renew and brighten my own outlook. I always smile when I get Katie's emails, and wonder what "adventure" she will take me on this week. It gives me a connection with the enriching and stimulating world of academia, and keeps me in touch with the youth of today. I feel honored to have a part in advancing the cause of the women scientists of tomorrow.

We started out as mentor and protégé, but have now formed a special friendship, despite our age and geographical differences. Katie adds, "It is reassuring that I can seek your professional advice, and bounce ideas off of you, and you have become a friend that I respect and admire with all of my heart." We not only share about school and work, but also about our families and friends. It has been a great experience to see how our relationship has grown, as we have become more comfortable with each other. Katie recently shared with me, "We talk about all aspects of life. It is comforting to know in this fast-paced, seemingly career-driven world, that having the job of your dreams AND the family of your dreams is not impossible. Hearing the opinions of someone other than my peers and my parents, has helped me to be able to have more confidence in the decisions that I make in all areas of my life."

I believe that Katie and I are part of something much bigger than just our mentoring relationship. We are helping to build the future, together. I know the struggles of being a woman in a scientific field. It is very satisfying to be there for Katie, and help to make her road a bit easier to travel. This mentoring relationship has brought her one step closer to realizing the big dreams she has for herself; dreams of possibly traveling to exotic locales across the globe, and discovering the wonders of science firsthand.

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I have undertaken in my professional career. Katie adds, "Having Cynthia for a mentor has been a big part of my personal growth, and this has been the experience of a lifetime." Who knows what great things Katie may accomplish someday....and I can smile at the thought that I had the privilege of being a small part of it. I look forward to the ways MentorNet will continue to empower and enrich the lives of the women scientists and engineers of tomorrow, AND today!

Cynthia Gilley
Cynthia received her B.S. in Atmospheric Science from Oregon State University. She is employed by The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has been a meteorologist for almost 17 years. Cynthia prepares forecasts, weather graphics, and original animations for on-air use. She is a member of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. This is Cynthia's second year as a mentor with MentorNet. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and son.

Katharine Horst
Katherine is originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, and is currently finishing her freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences as well as Geology. Outside of school, Katie's interests include spending time with her friends and traveling. "I have been so lucky to have had such a wonderful experience with MentorNet and I am honored to be receiving the Grand Prize with my mentor, Cynthia Gilley," says Horst.