Drs. Sharon Desmond and Elizabeth Brown Honored as Presidential Scholar Mentors

Last week, the Healthy Turtle talked with Lyndsey Wilson and Talia Lewis, two students studying in the School of Public Health who were recently honored as Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars.

The President Scholars program also recognizes the contributions that faculty mentorship plays in fostering a dedication to learning. Wilson, a kinesiology student, chose Dr. Elizabeth Brown as her mentor, and Lewis, an individual studies major doing work within the department of public and community health, chose Dr. Sharon Desmond as her mentor.

In separate interviews, the Healthy Turtle talked with Dr. Brown (left) and Dr. Desmond (right) about their mentees and about lessons they've learned working with students

-----

Healthy Turtle: What makes each of your mentees stand out as students?

Dr. Sharon Desmond: I think what makes Talia stand out as a student is her understanding of the complexity of issues--she approaches issues as if she is a graduate student already, as opposed to an undergraduate. She realizes there are many sides to an issue and wants to really understand underlying conditions and determinants of the problem to create a better solution. This is rare in an undergraduate student as often they do not have the developmental maturity for this type of analysis.

Dr. Elizabeth Brown: From the beginning Lyndsey emoted character and sincerity. She has always been a serious student who was in charge of her destiny. She demonstrated a hard work ethic with excellent time management skills. She has never waivered from her career path of becoming a physical therapist. She has committed to several internships in the physical therapy arena to be sure that she knows all aspects of the field.

One in particular is very time demanding and that was with the Maryland Football Athletic Training Department. Traveling with the team and putting countless hours in and still maintaining a 4.0 average is unheard of. But because of who Lyndsey is, she was able to balance all aspects.

HT: What does it mean to you to be named as Lyndsey's/Talia's mentor

EB: [Lyndsey] humbles me. As an educator who's passion is to work with undergraduate students, it is an honor to be recognized for this passion. This mentor award is a culminating one of touching the lives and hearts of students. Lyndsey has truly touched my heart with this honor.

SD: It was an honor for me to be named one of Talia's mentor. I was happy because it means a great deal to me to impact students' lives and help them achieve their dreams--working with students is definitely my favorite part of being a professor. I am lucky to know Talia!

HT: What is the most important lesson I have learned about mentoring students?

EB: All students count and all students have their story to tell. Treat them all individually and help them become the most that they can possibly be.

SD: I think the most important lesson I've learned about mentoring students is to listen to and respect them and let them know you value what they have to say, and what they have to say matters. It's also important to be encouraging and share your joy and enthusiasm for your discipline.

----
Dr. Elizabeth Brown is a Dr. Sharon Desmond is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public and Community Health. Dr. Elizabeth Brown is an Instructor in the Department of Kinesiology. For more about the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars program, visit their Web site at www.ugst.umd.edu/merrill/