How Long Term Mentorship Can Help Your Child

A big box arrived.  It was not from Amazon but instead was perfectly gift-wrapped with a literal bow on top.  The note read: “Lifetime Achievement Award.”  The box was filled with goodies that only someone who knew my idiosyncratic preferences would know.

It was from Liz’s kind parents.

I feel young. Really young.  But when Liz, a student I’ve worked with since 8th grade told me she had landed a job in a large Washington DC law firm – similar to my first career life – I recognized that I’m a bit older than I feel!

The Beginning: A Middle Schooler with Big Ambitions

I first met Liz when she was in middle school. Her parents were exploring private high school options and had set their sights on Choate, one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Liz was a bright and curious student, excelling in English but struggling in math—a common challenge for many students her age.

We began working on her math skills in preparation for the SSAT, the standardized test required for private school admissions. Liz was diligent and open to learning, and her hard work paid off. She gained admission to Choate, setting the stage for an academic career filled with opportunities.

Reconnecting for College Success

When it came time for college applications, Liz and I reconnected. By then, she had grown into an idealistic young woman with a passion for writing and literature. However, like many high school students, Liz lacked a clear understanding of the real-world implications of her interests and career aspirations.

Together, we navigated the complexities of college admissions. My team provided math tutoring and test prep support to shore up her weaker areas, and I guided Liz through the process of selecting schools and crafting compelling application essays. Liz’s hard work and talent shone through, and she earned admission to Princeton—a remarkable achievement.

Finding Direction at Princeton

Liz thrived academically at Princeton, but as junior year approached, she began to feel the pressure of choosing a career path. Many of her peers were heading toward finance, management consulting, medicine, or other prestigious fields, and Liz found herself uncertain about her next steps.

Through a series of career counseling sessions, we explored her interests, strengths, and long-term goals. While Liz’s natural inclination toward writing and advocacy made law school a strong fit, she needed help making that vision a reality.

Law School and Beyond

The next stage of Liz’s journey involved preparing for the LSAT and navigating the law school admissions process. These were no small tasks, but Liz tackled them with the same determination she’d shown since middle school. She gained admission to the University of Virginia’s School of Law, one of the top programs in the country.

Law school presented new challenges, from rigorous coursework to the competitive search for internships. As a first-year law student, Liz relied on law school tutoring to excel academically. In her second year, I helped her identify and apply for summer internships, ultimately securing a position that led to a full-time offer from a top law firm in Washington, DC.

The Power of Long-Term Mentorship

Liz’s journey from a middle schooler struggling with math to a soon-to-be attorney at a prestigious law firm is a testament to the value of long-term mentorship. Her story highlights several key lessons for students and parents:

1. Start Early
   Liz’s success began with her family’s commitment to investing in her education from a young age. Early preparation set the foundation for the opportunities she would later pursue.
2. Address Weaknesses Proactively
   Whether it was math tutoring for the SSAT or SSAT or later for LSAT prep for law school, Liz consistently worked to strengthen her weaker areas, turning challenges into opportunities.
3. Adapt to New Challenges
   Liz’s career journey evolved as she grew, requiring her to pivot and adapt. Through career counseling, she was able to align her passions with a clear, achievable goal.
4. Leverage Expert Guidance
   Success at every stage—from high school admissions to securing a top law firm position—was supported by targeted guidance, tutoring, and mentorship.

A Future of Possibility

As Liz prepares to graduate from law school and begin her career in Washington, DC, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey she’s undertaken. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and, I suppose, when I write my memoirs(!) a story that shows the transformative power of mentorship.

For parents and students navigating the increasingly competitive world of education and work, Liz’s experience serves as a reminder: with the right support, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.