Mentorship is like finding a friend who just gets you and brings out the best in you. That’s exactly how it was with Marie Okorie – she’s been one of those amazing mentors in my life. Let me share the story of how we connected during the Heirs Academy Graduate Trainee program.
So, I got posted for my first functional rotation at HH’s MCC, and guess who I was supposed to work closely with? Yup, you guessed it – Marie. It felt like destiny had a role in this because we had so much in common right from the start! We share the same last name, went to nearby universities, and I had a bunch of similar interests as her. It was almost like having an automatic older sibling by my side. The look on both our faces when we realised, we share the same last name was priceless! How we laugh when we successfully trick people into believing we’re siblings is even better.
But Marie was much more than a coincidence; she became my big sister – my rock during that time. Whenever I felt unsure or had doubts about my abilities, she was there to lift me up and boost my confidence (She still is). I learned that a mentor isn’t just someone who knows stuff, but someone who listens without judging and supports you through thick and thin. Marie had this incredible way of giving feedback that motivated me to do better without making me feel bad about my mistakes (most of the time, at least…lol).
The best thing about her was that she didn’t just talk the talk; she walked the walk. Marie shared her own struggles and how she overcame them. It was inspiring to see someone that similar, who had also faced setbacks but never let them define her. She taught me that every obstacle was a chance to learn and grow, and that changed my perspective on challenges.
Not only was Marie a great mentor, but she also cared about my well-being outside the office. It wasn’t just about climbing the career ladder for her; she genuinely cared about me as a person. She’d lend a listening ear whenever things got tough. A little sad face from my end and she’s all ears, hands, and heart. Having someone like that in your corner is like having a superhero on your side.
Through Marie, I learned not only about excelling in my career but also about being a better person. Under her guidance, I set bigger goals and dared to dream beyond what I thought was possible. She encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and it was scary at first, but it led me to some of the most rewarding experiences of my life -Yet!
It’s incredible to see how much Marie herself has grown in her career since we both met. Her dedication and passion continue to inspire me, and I’m grateful to have her as a mentor and friend.
As I reflect on our time together, I can’t help but feel grateful for the impact she’s had on my life. Marie has been more than a mentor; she’s been a friend, a confidante, and a role model. And now, I can’t wait to pay it forward and become a mentor to someone else someday. Call it a full-blown cycle.
Mentorship is all about forming these incredible connections and uplifting each other. It’s not just about career growth; it’s about personal growth too and I’m definitely grateful for this one.
