A Mentorship To Remember

A Mentorship to Remember

By: John Kazerooni

In the tapestry of life, certain moments shine not just for their humor or warmth, but for the lasting lessons they leave behind. Recently, as I flipped through a long-forgotten photo album, a memory from nearly four decades ago came to life again—a reminder of how the simplest experiences often hold the deepest lessons in humanity, mentorship, and personal growth.

At that time, I was a young professional managing a small team of technicians, and each week, I had to submit a report on our progress. Writing, however, wasn’t my strongest suit. My reports were often filled with spelling errors and grammatical issues, products of hurried attempts to get the job done. My mind was set on the technical aspects of my work, leaving little patience for polishing my writing. Yet, I submitted those reports each week, hoping my boss would overlook their imperfections.

My boss, however, was both understanding and meticulous. Every week, he would review my report and mark it with red ink. These corrections, rather than feeling like critiques, became a sort of gentle guide toward improvement. His kindness and wisdom turned those red marks into a continuous learning experience for me.

Finally, determined to improve, I approached him with an idea: could he provide a sample report in the style and format he preferred? I thought this might reduce his need to correct my work and give me a clearer path forward. He graciously agreed and handed me a report that was flawless—concise, clear, and professional.

The following week, I did something bold: I submitted that exact report, without changing a word. When I received it back, I saw it was once again marked in red. Bewildered, I went to his office and said, “This is the report you wrote. How could it have errors?”

With a warm chuckle and a twinkle in his eye, he replied, “If I don’t correct my manager’s work, what else would I do?” We both laughed heartily, and in that moment, our professional relationship transformed into something deeper. His humility, sense of humor, and dedication left a profound impact on me, and from that day forward, we formed a friendship grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

Over time, I came to realize that those red markings were more than just corrections—they were symbols of his commitment to my growth, his faith in my potential, and his willingness to look beyond my mistakes. He taught me that true mentorship isn’t about pushing for perfection but about cultivating patience, offering guidance, and showing kindness. His simple gesture turned what could have been a routine chore into a memorable, life-changing experience.

Nearly four decades later, our friendship remains one of my most treasured bonds. The laughter we shared, the lessons he imparted, and the respect we built remain etched in my memory. It serves as a reminder that some of life’s greatest lessons come not from formal education or training, but from the small, unexpected moments of grace that shape who we are.

Have you ever experienced a mentorship that stayed with you, shaping you in ways that went far beyond the professional realm? What small, seemingly simple acts or conversations have had the biggest impact on your personal growth? And, as you reflect, who might be in your life right now, looking to you for guidance, and hoping for a mentorship to remember? ...

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