I saw an interview of Viola Davis speaking about the importance of having mentors in life. I'm a huge believer in mentorship, no matter what age you find one or the age they are. It's important you have someone you consider a mentor that you trust and can guide you with whatever you need.
The first mentor for me is someone that I can now call a friend, Ann Akiri. Ann is a remarkable woman she worked hard for her position and is one of the most fiercest and ageless women I've ever met. She still looks like she did in her 20's (black don't crack). She helped me learn the importance of a job. Not just showing up, but actually being present. She hired me on the spot when we met and now looking back I realize how monumental that is of someone of her stature to have hired a young girl like me at the time with no experience, due to her belief in me. Think about what you were taught in your first "real" job and times that by 100, that's the attention and lessons she gave me. She was preparing me for whatever was to come. I'm so thankful and blessed to have a mentor like her. Even when she pissed me off and vice versa, I always wanted to show her that I was learning. We had some epic times: saw Prince, traveled together, danced the night away for her birthday's and worked our asses off all the time. She even came to my bridal shower and wedding. When I saw her I cried as she came to give me a hug, it meant so much to me that she was there. We don't get to see each other as often now, but when we check in, it feels like no time has passed.
I pray for everyone to have a mentor or multiple like Ann, someone to help guide you not just in your career, but through life. Oprah has said, "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself". That is so true. I love some of the great mentorship programs they have for kids, they need the same for adults. Life is hard, so find yourself someone to shine the light on your path or least leave a trail of gummy bears for you to follow.
We saw him together and it was an epic experience for me. #rip #prince