Being the Light

Imagine you are in a large, dark room; you can see the outlines of shapes in the room, but you can't quite make them out. There is no clearly illuminated route visible enough to take you to your desired destination, nor is this a small room. Attempting to find your own way, you walk around clashing and crashing over objects--perplexed by how difficult it is to navigate this seemingly infinite, expansive space.

Now imagine the light brightens slightly, and suddenly you can see the figures in the room a little better. You can make out the figures, as you draw nearer to them. Everything is not clear, but you feel more confident about moving through the large room without bumping into obstacles.

Finally, the light brightens completely, and everything that was once masked by darkness is now clothed in light and completely visible. How much easier is it to navigate the room once that light is turned on? How much more confidently can you move through the space?

The truth is we have all been that person in the dark room. It was not until someone turned the light on for us, that we discovered all the opportunities around us were within reach.

My light came my sophomore year of high school; my mentor gave me the opportunity to shadow as an unpaid "intern" at his accounting firm during the summer.

We had conversations about his experiences, mistakes, and triumphs. All of these conversations begin to brighten my room. The mistakes he once made, I learned not to make.

I learned from my mentor that effort and commitment are terms synonymous with growth and productivity. If a problem dares to exist, it can be solved. My mentor shined a light in my dark room and I am forever grateful.

My experience made me realize that lessons learned in life should never be lessons kept, stored away safely; instead they should serve as a catalyst for giving what was a dark space, light.

I encourage everyone reading to think about the mentor(s) that helped you get to where you are today. Who was your light? How did that mentor change your life?