UC Women's Group Mentoring Program/Participant 2's story

Contact details
Name of storyteller: Participant 2

Name of person recording story: Mark Spain

Location: Mizzuna’s

1. What changes have you noticed since you have finished the program?

 * 1) I’m in a higher role
 * 2) I was a younger woman observing a lot of very upset older women. Looking at them inspired me to not be like that. I don’t want to be a victim at 50 earning $50k.
 * 3) The connections and opportunity to meet people I don’t normally associate with. This opened avenues for me and how the uni functioned.
 * 4) I recommenced studying and it was nice to have the support of people encouraging me.
 * 5) One woman was in a terrible situation in her life. I was very proud of her growth during the year. She was shy and lacked confidence but we assisted her in growing stronger
 * 6) I personally gained a lot especially from the inspiration and energy of people in the academic group. Unlike our group they had found the the things they were passionate about. I never felt confident in my creativity but a woman in this group supported me to be creative on the day we shared together. I still remember this experience strongly.
 * 7) I’ve been in a very male dominated work area and it’s nice to have female contact. I made some really good friends and still keep in contact

2. What has been the MOST significant change?
My most significant change was that my self confidence grew. I strongly realized that I did not want to be a victim as I got older.

Beginning (situation before the change)

Before the program I didn’t have a lot of direction.

Middle (what happened)

During the program I had a lot of frustration with the group and how it was running. I recognize that this was my perception. It was very eye opening for me to learn what other people’s experience of their lives were. I’ve had a lot of negativity in my life but didn’t accept seeing myself as a victim. When I told my story other people admired me for not being a victim. They got energy from me. I felt that I was cold and distant during the program. I wasn’t interested in bitching. I was more an observer. I felt others may have been frustrated with me. On the last day I opened up and relaxed. We lacked direction and organization and didn’t know where we were going. The selection of leader was poor (ie didn't work for me).

End (situation after)

I’m in a bigger job now that is incredibly stressful. Two years ago I would not have done this job. I now have direction. I had a wonderful supervisor and I am now very fortunate to have an inspirational woman supervisor at the moment.

3. Why was this change significant for you?
I’ve worked because I have to. I’ve never been openly passionate about anything. What I’m doing now is more aligned to my more long term creative passion. I didn’t see this coming. I’m doing really exciting work. I’ve learned a lot over the last 12 months and I’ve got plans for the future.

We need to be drawing in the wonderful exciting passionate people who are working at the uni to have their energy rub off on others.

from Jess Dart	http://www.clearhorizon.com.au