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In November my friend Joey suggested I spend a month sending one email daily to people I admire. I called this the Cold Email Challenge.
I had initially sought Joey’s advice about a job application. Approaching my final semester of college, I felt frustrated by the scarcity of entry-level positions, disheartened by rejections, and increasingly irritated by the what-are-you-doing-after-graduation line of inquiry.
In our conversation Joey asked what I hoped to gain from the position. What drew me to the company? What skills would I develop? Would I be able to do something I love? Suddenly a small question about a job became a big question about purpose. My job search–like my conversation with Joey–started simple and hopeful. But concerns about meaningful contribution, prestige, and tedium had swallowed my initial focus on passion. Joey reeled me back in.
“Who do you admire?” he asked me. Really he meant, “what do you love?”
Immediately, I thought of my favorite podcasts: This American Life and Modern Love. I told him excitedly about my love of narrative nonfiction work. I laughed when he suggested I reach out to the founders. But when he told me about the CEOs and entrepreneurs he’d spoken with just by sending a cold email, I began to consider trying to contact them.
In the next month, I did. I was turned away or ignored by more than half; the first few hurt but I quickly learned not to take this personally. But the conversations in which I engaged changed my life more than many of the standard parts of my college experience. Beyond all else I practiced asking questions and listening.
Joey told me that people are willing and excited to guide my generation when we demonstrate curiosity. I didn’t believe him until I sought out mentorship. Since then I have heard perspectives on the future of media, tactics for asking impactful questions, approaches for engaging writing, and the history of my favorite content. I have been set up with work, introductions, cheerleaders, and ears when I need them. Every voice has been a strong wind propeling me forward, and a source of reassurance that my persistence will take me where I need to be.
Before and throughout university, the importance of academics, friends, health, and a balanced life were clear to me. But nobody told me how central mentorship would be to my success. As I reflect on the life of Mark Trowbridge– my mother’s dear friend and a figure who I admire– I think of mentorship. In the last few years, Mark’s generosity of spirit and commitment to helping me succeed have come in the form of connections, work experience, and welcoming me at Chamber events. Mark was magnetic; his charm, authenticity, and care were inescapable. And his proclivity for mentorship is rare.
Professionals: I urge you to guide those brave enough to ask questions. A little generosity will change lives. And students: have the conversations that intimidate you. You might just be rewarded.
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