On Friday, October 8, junior scholars were joined by Kenan Scholars Class of 2023 Board of Mentors Dillion Vess, Rob Mazzoni and Jordan Mareno who shared their perspectives and insights working in the private and public sectors. The panel was the first in a series of mentor panels and was facilitated by Alexandra Hatsios, a current scholar.
The session began with a panel Q&A led by Hatsios and concluded with smaller group discussions and networking.
The focal point of this panel was to establish the inner workings of a mentor and mentee relationship. Vess, Mazzoni and Mareno discussed exceptional mentors they have had and the impacts they made in both their academic and professional careers. The panel also identified what roles and actions scholars can actively take to be a successful mentee. Mazzoni noted the necessity of interactions and being thoughtful in asking specific questions when interacting with your mentor. Vess furthered this point by following up with “Don’t be bashful asking questions and (asking) for someone’s time.” Mareno, a Kenan Scholars alum from the Class of 2019, was able to relate to current scholars and reinforce the importance of taking advantage of the resources and networks available within the program, Kenan-Flagler and UNC.
Vess, Mazzoni and Mareno have all found success in their respective fields and all acknowledge a common denominator in their success – the essential relationships they have developed with peers and mentors. The conversation was enlightening for all in attendance and a great start to this semester’s mentor panel session series. Kenan Scholars looks forward to welcoming and learning from another panel of mentors in November.