Education Foundation’s mentee, Dina K Altshul, facilitated this interview with her mentor, Dr. Wilma Davidson to explore and share their experience working together as part of the Education Foundation Mentorship Program, led by Resiliency Success Coach and Mentoring Manager, Maria Guardado.

Dina is a rising sophomore at Pine View High School who enjoys working with kids, from volunteering as an attorney on the Youth Leadership Team at Teen Court, a docent at Selby Gardens, and a teacher at Faulhaber Fab Lab, to working at Goldfish Swim School as a swim instructor. Dina also writes for the National League of American Pen Women and participates in many extracurriculars, including academic competitions and competitive swimming. She spends her time reading books and hanging out with her three younger brothers who never fail to keep her busy.

As a journalist, ghostwriter, editor, and former university professor, Wilma owns a communications consulting firm where she coaches corporate clients how to put their “best foot forward—in writing and in person.” Author of published articles and books, she has collaborated to publish a memoir and two children’s stories (third one percolating). Currently, she serves as president of the Sarasota Branch of the National League of American Pen Women and as 4th Vice President for the national organization and is a mentor for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. She firmly believes, “one lifetime isn’t enough.”

1. How has meeting your mentor/ mentee affected you? 

Dina: Meeting Dr. Davidson has allowed me to grow not only as a writer, but as a person. Our meetings have helped me develop skills such as effective communication and time management. This has allowed me to be more independent in my everyday life, as I plan my own path.

Dr. Davidson: In the most positive ways possible. Working with Dina reinforces that I still “have it.” That is, the ability to help others in their life path. To help them discover a path for themselves. And it reinforces my belief that there are incredible teenagers out there, ready to take on the world. Working with her has given me “a bonus daughter.”

2. What feelings/thoughts did you have about the mentorship program at the beginning and how did you handle them? 

Dina: Before beginning the program, I was worried about not living up to the expectations of a professional writer who has seen and edited countless pages of work that was inevitably better than anything I could come up with. However, as soon as I met Dr. Davidson, I could tell that I worried over nothing. Her goal is to help me become a better writer, and her feedback was never criticism. I realized that she started somewhere too, and she became such a talented author thanks to not only her skills, but the feedback she received along the way.

Dr. Davidson: At the beginning I asked myself, “Why am I taking on yet another activity in an already “I-am-doing-too-much” life. But that’s me—here was another opportunity to be of service, to lead a purposeful life, and to use the skills I have. I just couldn’t walk away from doing something so meaningful.

3. What has the relationship brought that you didn’t have before meeting? 

Dina: Dr. Davidson is the president of the Sarasota Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and has managed to get me, a high school student with no writing resume, involved. I now write for their newspaper monthly, bringing me an audience for my work, and giving it a purpose. Through the Pen Women, I have the opportunity to interview its artists, writers, and musicians, which is always something I look forward to. It’s given me the chance not only to network but also meet so many ambitious people who never miss the chance to share their wisdom with me.

Dr. Davidson: Having spent decades of my career working with college students and adults in the workplace, I had forgotten what it was like to work with high schoolers. I taught high school for the first 13 years of my professional life where I developed strong affiliations and affection for that age group. I didn’t realize how much I missed that—until I started working with Dina.

4. What has surprised you while working together? 

Dina: Working with Dr. Davidson has brought a myriad of surprises. First, how quickly I was able to get involved and begin our journey. Then, how much I loved having her by my side. Dr. Davidson has been so supportive, and it never hurts to be peppered with compliments about my work from such a skilled author.

Dr. Davidson: Every time Dina and I work together, she surprises/amazes me with her talents. Among them are her desire to learn, her curiosity, her time management skills, her positive attitude, her willingness to further develop her writing and speaking skills by taking on opportunities to write about a variety of topics for a variety of audiences. As president of a local branch of a national women’s organization of visual artists, writers, and musicians, I’ve been able to get Dina involved in what we do and who we are—and to broaden her writing skills by writing a monthly column for our newsletter. Her interaction with us shows me how well she carries herself in an intergenerational group!

5. What are some benefits to joining the mentorship program? 

Dina: I love having someone to count on to help me every step on the way, no matter what I need. Dr. Davidson has helped me with everything from writing to poetry competitions, to making me feel more confident in myself and more prepared for my future.

Dr. Davidson: The most valued benefit for me is being able to help Dina grow in the direction she wishes and to offer her experiences and people who will drive that growth. She has unlimited potential and it is my pleasure to work with her through her high school years. Being skilled myself in the areas she wishes to excel, I can provide specific insight. Being part of the mentorship program allows me to give back. I had a mentor in graduate school. She believed in me before I believed in myself—how I wish I had known her years before—it would have helped my confidence and competence so much earlier in my life. It is such a gift to give back.

6. What would you have missed if you hadn’t participated in the mentorship program? 

Dina: If I hadn’t participated in the mentorship program, I wouldn’t have been able to share my work or get such valuable insight on my writing. Not only that, but I never would have met someone who was so willing to take time out of her day just to help me get one step closer to my goals. It would’ve been a shame never to have met such an enthusiastic and talented professional who has changed my life so much.

Dr. Davidson: Oh, my—being able to share my “wisdom and knowledge” with another person to help them be all they can be. And learning from Dina as well. After all, we are all lifelong learners. I learned from my mentor how “to take kids seriously” — and I wouldn’t want to miss that opportunity.

7. What one-sentence advice would you give to someone considering being a mentee/mentor? 

Dina: Go for it; there’s nothing to lose!

Dr. Davidson: Why not? There is so much to be gained by both of you.

Mentoring matters. By supporting a student in working toward a goal, communicating regularly and positively, listening in a non-judgmental way, and building a lasting relationship, you could help guide a young person to that pinnacle. The Education Foundation’s mentoring program is free of charge and we are always looking for volunteers to donate their skills and time to local students. To learn more about becoming a mentor or mentee, email us at info@edfoundationsrq.org.