Miche: What did this mean for you
professionally? Did you do something
you may not have otherwise?
Maegan: Actually … stayed at my current job! Once
I decided there was still value to be had, I got a lot
better at relating to and communicating with other
staff, which meant better functional relationships.
Maegan: What was the best lesson
you learned as a mentor that you
will be able to apply to your life?
Miche: When we first started meeting, you were
going through some challenges at work that required
both strength and flexibility. You navigated the situ-
ation over time in a way that showed endurance and
growth, leading with your heart and keeping an eye
on your goals. This to me is a really valuable lesson. I
have used this as inspiration and have been happier
professionally because of taking this same approach.
Maegan: What surprised you most about
your experience in this mentoring program?
Miche: When you are looking at someone else's
journey it is impossible to not examine your own
and think about what you can do better. Each time
we met, I felt motivated to make changes in my
own life. Our conversations also made me think
more deeply about my perspective on topics and
in some instances think about things in a different
way, including complex themes of intersectionality.
Miche: What is one bit of advice you have
for someone who wants to be involved in
the Diversity in Mentoring Program?
Maegan: Do it! First, it is a minimal time com-
mitment, especially since you decide how to
structure your own program and can make it
fit around existing obligations. Second, if you're
worried you're not "worthy"—you are!
When you are looking at
someone else's journey it is
impossible to not examine
your own and think about
what you can do better.
urban-forestry.com 29
Miche Palmer snowshoeing at the Mohonk Preserve
on their birthday in February of last year.
