A trusted ally

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg

Since my first semester at the Maine Media College officially kicked off late December last year, I have been having bi-weekly online meetings with my mentor Elizabeth Greenberg. As is customary to each of our meeting, I must submit images and writings about my work at least a day prior to each meeting. I therefore have been photographing and writing way more often than I what normally do.

By taking the option of making the work off the table, I notice the immediate rewards of having someone like Elizabeth holding me accountable. I have been working more rigorously, and I hold myself to a higher standard since I don’t want to let Elizabeth down by failing to make quality work. Knowing more is at stake and having someone who is your superior watching your progress serves as extra motivation. While it is still early days in terms of my working with Elizabeth, I can confidently say the shift in mentality has made a difference to my commitment to making photography a meaningful personal pursuit. .

There is this one quality of Elizabeth that I come to appreciate – her candor. I worked with many teachers over the years. My experience tells me the teachers I am most fond of are those who have faith in my skills and know when to push me forward on my growth path. What sets Elizabeth apart though is not only does she nudge me to the right direction, she also abhors me to make work to not only reflect my best ability, they also have to come from within myself, not impersonating someone else in order to impress. She knows the times to call me out when I teeter on the edge of coming off my track, “Ming, there are too many voices in your head. We need yours only.” as she says on multiple occasions. I take her valuable feedback and constructive criticism to heart because of her honesty.

This experience of working with Elizabeth affirms my decision for applying to the MFA program. I know the importance of establishing a trusting mentorship relationship. It enables honest feedback. By establishing trust, I understand Elizabeth’s constructive criticism aims to push for growth rather than making me feel bad. Since this is a professional relationship, Elizabeth plays an objective role. A friend or a peer may hesitate to identify my weaknesses because they do not want to appear critical.

Elizabeth provides insights for my work without forcing her views on me. When I try on different ideas, I know she can provide unbiased advice or opinions with her years of relevant knowledge and experience. I better understand what steps to take and whether to pursue the idea or walk away.

Trust represents a core element of any relationships. I am glad to have Elizabeth as my mentor with whom she has my best interests in mind and will provide honest guidance. It is a gift to be part of the Maine Media College where I have the nurturing support provided by the great faculty.