We Don’t Get Anywhere Alone: Reflections on the 2024 SOPHE Conference as a Full Circle Moment

Abstract

As a new professor, I reflect upon the power of mentoring after bringing three students to the 2024 SOPHE conference. I juxtapose my past self, thrown into the world of professional conferences as a student, with my current early-career self, having transitioned from being a student member of SOPHE to a faculty member bringing my own students to a SOPHE conference. In addition, my students tell their stories of imposter syndrome, the National Case Study Competition in Health Education, and how they came to view the power of mentoring. They share their lessons and hopes for the future. The value of having a strong team of supportive colleagues and mentors is discussed. Furthermore, I consider the role I will now play as a mentor for my own students. This reflection comes on the heels of the 2024 SOPHE conference in St. Louis and highlights common messages about needing that support throughout all stages of one’s career.

Keywords

mentoring college health education pedagogy career development imposter syndrome

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