A Moment of Mutual Impact
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M on Unsplash
It feels good to have a positive impact on others’ lives.
I’ve worked with students at many stages, from various institutions and disciplines, and derive tremendous fulfillment from structuring my research to invite student participation through mentorship. It brings me joy to watch someone learn and grow and to begin to recognize their own strengths and ability to meaningfully contribute to the production of new knowledge. This is the type of research culture I prefer—one that is people-centered and integrates the strengths, goals, and interests of all the participants. This feels like a bigger, more worthy endeavor than solely focusing on my own questions and goals. It can be so much more expansive, and it is validating to know that this framework and approach is actively benefiting members of the team.
In this way, my students have just as much impact on me as I do on them.
Recently, a student I have been working closely with—who knows I am currently applying for academic positions—offered to write me a recommendation letter. I was touched. After thanking her for the offer, I let her know that the convention is to have senior colleagues write recommendation letters. Nonetheless, she felt compelled to write one anyway, suggesting I could share it on my website.
When I received her letter in my email inbox, I was deeply moved. She put significant effort into writing this and her efforts to support someone else deserve to be seen, so I am sharing her letter here, as she wrote it:
To whom it may concern,
My name is [redacted], I’m a senior at [redacted] in [redacted]. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Katrina Yezzi-Woodley for two semesters now. I can genuinely say that she is one of the most dedicated researchers I have had the opportunity to work with. My introduction to her project of 3D scanning bone fragments was startling as it was only my second experience in anthropological research and my first to be hands-on. I think the trust that she instilled in both me and my counterpart [redacted] was what really gave us the confidence to do well in this project. Being an undergraduate researcher is always a struggle for both us and our advisor as we’re putting a lot of reliance on each other.
But Katrina was secure in her belief of our success from the moment we started. Moreover, she made sure to offer us guidance and advice rather than push us past the finish line. This has left a really positive impact on my attitude towards research. I find that when I’m given instruction in other parts of my academic career, my first thought is “ok, what do I already know that can help me figure this out and what else do I think I’m going to need?”. Self-reliance, I’m finding, is necessary in this field; more than that, knowing when you’re at your limit is equally as important. Once I reach that point, I know that Katrina won’t be upset that I’m asking for help; I know that she will give me resources I’m lacking and walk through my thought process with me.
The skills that she is teaching me, and other students are ones that I know are going to prepare me to join this field. This includes technical skills- 3D scanner technology, 3D scanning software, LaTex, Overleaf, coding, Blender/Meshlab, etc.- as well as social ones - communication, email promptness, presentation and public speaking preparation, publication process, tailoring a paper to a target audience, researcher collaboration.
It's also clear that she is incredibly knowledgeable about the field of taphonomy. Honestly, much of the terminology and descriptions she uses are those that I’ll see the next day in my courses. Any questions we have will either be met with a well-worded response or the promise of searching for that answer herself. It’s really comforting to see researchers continuing to learn and evolve as us undergraduates are doing the same.
Most importantly, I think Katrina’s personality and kindness are one of the most admirable things about her. She is the first person I ask advice from when I’m confused or frustrated. I know I will always receive an empathetic and honest answer from her that makes me a better researcher and person. I’ve never met someone who supplies never ending support and guidance while maintaining patience and professionalism. Once I graduate, I have a feeling I could reach out to her 20 years from now and receive a warm welcome and genuine advice.
I hope you’ll take my thoughts into consideration, and I appreciate you taking time to read this.
All the best,
[Redacted]
And, to my student, you could reach out to me in 20 years and I would be delighted to hear from you. Please don’t feel you have to wait that long. It is my hope that you will continue to reach out and update me as you move forward along what I believe will be an incredible journey.
(Shared with the student’s permission. Identifying details have been intentionally removed to protect privacy. )
