HONORABLE MENTION: "Building a Family"
Eric Jackson, The 3M Company, mentor

When I enrolled in the MentorNet program at 3M I did not have high expectations. I had previously participated in mentoring programs with several universities that had begun with introductions via email and by the end of the first semester the lines of communication had faded slowly and by the end of the second semester communication permanently severed. With a highly cynical mindset, I reluctantly signed up with the MentorNet program at 3M.

As the program began with email introductions, the feeling of "here we go again" seemed to take over any feelings of optimism. But something different was happening this time. A few weeks after our initial introductions MentorNet sent suggestions on topics via email, which caused us - contrary to my previous experiences - to keep emailing each other. After several months, the conversations were no longer initiated by a third party, but by a bond of friendship between my protégé and me. We found ourselves not only exchanging emails frequently but also talking on the phone. In addition to learning about a student and her academic activities, I was learning about Megan's personal interests and her family. (Megan is a student at the University of Missouri, Rolla campus.) Before long, we were exchanging pictures of each other along with pictures of family members.

I am not sure if having a mentor from 3M will give Megan an inside track on getting hired but I do know that this relationship has enriched my life and according to Megan and her family, it has been a truly rewarding experience that has made a difference in all our lives. ~ Eric Jackson

Megan and I began our mentoring relationship in September 2001 and we are still talking on a regular basis. One of the turning points in our relationship was when I suggested to Megan to interview for a co-op position. Initially, she was hesitant, but I convinced her to give it a shot. I told her that I would help with her résumé and suggested that she work with the career center at her university to practice mock interviews. A few weeks later she called me to inform me that she was offered a co-op position with the organization, Koehler. She was selected from over 100 applicants competing for the position. Excitedly, she told me that I was the second person after her mother she shared the news with. She thanked me and expressed her appreciation for my interest in her career and well-being. A few months, later I received an email from Megan's mother. She thanked me for providing Megan with insight to engineering and enriching her life in general. The email was very touching and demonstrated how a mentor can make a difference not only in a student's life but have an overall positive effect on her family. Today, I not only talk with Megan but I talk with her mother and grandmother, too. Megan's grandmother has told me many times that I am not only Megan's mentor but I am also a member of the family.

In February 2003, Megan's family informed me that they wanted to travel from Missouri to Minnesota to meet me, shake my hand, and thank me for all I've done for Megan. Only later I discovered that Megan's grandmother had postponed her heart surgery so she could meet me. She told me she wouldn't miss it for the world. In June 2003, Megan and her family made the 600-mile journey to meet me. After months of planning and anticipating, our meeting day finally took place. When I arrived at the hotel lobby, I recognized Megan, Midge (mother), MaryAnn (grandmother), Barbara (aunt), and Michele (sister). It felt more like a family reunion than a first meeting. Obviously, introductions were not necessary.

Of course, I had to take them to the Mall of America. Megan once described her family as avid shoppers so what better place to take them than to the most visited attraction in America. While we were at the Mall of America, MaryAnn requested that Megan and I record a song/video together. We both selected "You Got a Friend." That weekend went by so quickly! Writing emails and talking on the phone are wonderful means of communications but there is nothing like meeting someone in person. That final face-to-face meeting has deepened our relationship even more. And today, my family is planning to attend Megan's graduation in May 2004.

Megan and I both agree that the MentorNet program at 3M has been beneficial to both of us. This experience has created a life-long friendship with Megan and her family.

There is an exciting addendum to this story; Megan has had two interviews with 3M. She received the highest evaluation on her first interview and her second one occurred yesterday as of this writing. On each interview Megan was asked if she knew anything about 3M. Megan's reply begins with a smile and she proceeds to tell the interviewer about our relationship and her vast knowledge of 3M's products, philosophy and history. I am not sure if having a mentor from 3M will give Megan an inside track on getting hired but I do know that this relationship has enriched my life and according to Megan and her family, it has been a truly rewarding experience that has made a difference in all our lives.

Supporting Comments:
When I arrived at the University of Missouri in Rolla in August 2001, I think I faced the same fears about attending college that all young people must endure. Not only was I entering a new phase of my life, I was about to leave home for the first time and really be on my own. Making mundane decisions were tough enough sometimes, but when it came to making decisions about things that were going to impact my future, I must admit, I worried that I would fail to make the right choices.

Early in September, I was informed that there was a mentoring program that I could sign up for and participate in. Although I doubted the value of this service, I was all too ready and willing to talk to someone who was working in the field, who could guide me and assure me that I was on the right path.

While Eric Jackson, my mentor, has proven to be a professional advisor for me, I would be remiss if I failed to note that he has also become a personal friend as well. He genuinely cares about my future, takes a deep interest in the choices I make, and provides support and encouragement beyond what I anticipated early on in the relationship.

Eric has influenced me in more ways than I can note. I cannot fully express the impact that he has had on the decisions that I have had to make these last 3 years. While most college students have a "favorite professor" who can offer guidance, support, encouragement and advice, I had Eric and for this I am grateful. I sincerely believe that my college experience was enriched because of my relationship with Eric Jackson, my mentor and my friend.