To a mentor

by Jovan Villareal
(Wisconsin)

This morning, I woke up to some terrible news. My benefactor and mentor, the man who hugely shaped my view on life, work, and many other things, had passed away.

I’ve never met someone as equally impressive, smart and grounded as him.

It is not that common at this stage of our careers to have professors who shape our intellect, interest, and life in general. But my mentor did that.

While we were originally brought together for academic purposes, I soon began to learn from his views and perspectives and his wealth of knowledge. That will always be fundamental for my understanding of the world.

I hope that everyone, when such people cross their paths, never take people like my mentor for granted. I certainly never did, and never will.

“You carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”