Igniting my prowess: Rae's Insights from the e-Mentoring program
I am known as “Super Rae” to many people - not because I fly and go around using powers to suppress the “villains”, but because I am known as a multi-tasker handling several internships at once with multiple local and international organizations while doing community projects on top of my university's 21-26 full unit load. Others may see me as an opportunity hoarder, but I have always considered myself a woman of action. I am always ambitious and motivated especially when it comes to building a better future for myself and the people around me. I am also very future-oriented and confident that I have trouble knowing when to stop. I always work ten times more than my peers because I had to - the world is never fair. I was fortunate to participate in the e-Mentoring program organized by Aiducation International in collaboration with the UBS Investment Company.
Here're my insights from the program...
When Aiducation announced applications into the e-mentoring program, I knew I needed to apply, and it was not just because I enjoyed my previous mentoring from different academies I graduated from, but because I needed the guidance and help of an experienced person. Someone who I think is honest enough to point out my room for improvement, open enough to listen to my story and share her’s as well, and excited enough to be part of my life. By heaven’s grace, I was paired with Adriana from the UBS Investment Company who became more than a mentor to me. The first meeting was light but productive and personal. I felt the connection we have and it was not difficult to jump from one topic to another because it was a two-way effort - we were respectful, open, and excited. I knew from that moment on that it was a perfect match and it is still amazing to imagine, until now, how I am able to connect with someone from the other side of the world who is so committed to bringing out the best in me.
Rae and Adriana met during her visit to Switzerland in October/November 2022
Over time, we realized how similar we are and she often remarked that she recognizes aspects of her younger self in me. We talked about so many things that sometimes, an hour is not enough to finish the discussion. We always begin with a "kumustahan," in which we check in on each other's academic, professional, social, and familial lives. Then we will proceed to questions I might have, which I would always have and it is usually about work ethic, problems in my internships or organizations, and personal issues. What I love the most is when she gives me indirect advice in a form of stories from her life. She never pushes me to do things but hearing experiences help me substantially to evaluate my predicaments. Another thing I love is the fact that our relationship is never formal and hierarchical. She is like an elder sister to me (though I now think of her as a second mom after being with her in Switzerland): ready to fight with me whenever I need it, but also ready to tell me when I need to take a break and rest.
Adriana is the type of mom who encourages you to go outside your comfort zone but at the same time follows you around to make sure that you will have someone to cry on when things get tough or call you out when you are bringing too much work for yourself- and for that, I am eternally grateful.
My friends in the Philippines and I have recommended this program all express the same enthusiastic desire to participate. Finding a mentor here requires significant effort and time, and it takes a lot of guts to approach a more experienced person and ask for advice on your professional or personal development. Having been there myself, I am deeply thankful to Aiducation International and the UBS Investment Company for bridging the gap and helping us realize our full potential by connecting us to such inspirational people. It is important, especially at our age, that we learn things through experiences and stories because that is how we will see the world and our roles in it.
Because of this e-mentoring and the plethora of opportunities that Aiducation has given us, the definition of “Super Rae” changed to someone who, with all her might, would like to create a positive impact every day. I may have no cape or superpowers, but I have the passion to keep serving and helping others see their full potential by sharing what I have been learning with them. I will still continue being a woman of action who knows where and when to take a break because real leaders know when to act and speak.
Written by Rae Kayla, AiduTalent from the Philippines