Exemplifying mentorship for working-class first-generation scholars

Abstract

In this Festschrift article, I reflect on Dr George Ritzer's teaching and mentorship of working-class, first-generation students. As a graduate student, my working-class background gave me significant imposter syndrome. While one might expect George's accomplishments and prestige to have contributed to such feelings, he was actually one of the most down-to-earth and approachable faculty members I encountered, who took the time to nurture me as a developing scholar. George instilled in us, as first-generation students, a love and mastery of social theory, theoretical contributions upon which we could develop, and a passion for and commitment to public sociology. He modeled relatability and humility as a world-renowned academic. I further outline how I believe George's own working-class, first-generation origins informed his style of teaching and mentorship to support students from similar roots.