Mentoring.

You are never a bother.

This is what I say to mentees.

No question is too silly.

No need to vent or brainstorm is unworthy.

Sometimes I'm shocked that I have mentees.

I still feel so young.

I still need so much mentoring myself.

And yet, here I sit: closer in age and tenure to young partners than to the new associates.

This makes me uncomfortable, but I’m learning to accept it.

The best moments I've had with my mentors have come spontaneously and turned on vulnerability, trust, and respect.

There was an implicit understanding that I was not bothering them.

I cannot thank those enough who have given their time to me, who have talked candidly with me about the practical (and sometimes very difficult) aspects of being an associate, and who have allowed me to peer behind the curtain so I know what might lie ahead.

My goal with mentoring is simple: give back what I have been given.

My request of mentees is simple: one day, be to others what you're seeking from me.

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