Along the Way !: Mentorship Personified !

A person walking into my life by chance, transforming me beyond imagination.

It was a warm Wednesday, (rather cold for me since I was new then), 17th of September 2013. I woke up really early in the morning that morning trying on several dresses before I decided on one and combined it with comfortable shoes(learning from previous experience) and left my apartment for school. It was a big day for me. I had to present myself and other Indian scholarship students before the top people of Chalmers University of Technology and industry experts from around Gothenburg. I walked into the historical house of William Chalmers filled with anxiety and anticipation. Less did I know that I would find my guardian angel there. A sweet smiling face, introducing herself with a warm handshake. I was trying hard to feel comfortable, still pretending to be cool. In, the middle of several discussions in that room, I heard her say that she wants to pick me to be my mentor. I turned to look at her abruptly. The kindness reflected. I was already starting feel that I was the special one.

Her smile filled me with confidence, her eyes silently told me not to fear. Random thoughts passed through, unable to compile I spoke before the crowd. Words rolled from within changing my speech completely and jeopardizing several of my practice sessions. I think she transferred some power into me. It was Samaneh- the most beautiful lady I have met; fighting for her dreams all through her life in Iran and in Sweden.After several struggles she stood there, strong and self made. She inspired me to hold on and stay strong.

Several months later, it was time for Christmas. Again did I meet her for lunch and a visit to Volvo Museum. I was in a car which drove over a magnificent bridge. It wan't snowing that day. But tiny droplets of cold water touched my cheeks as I got off the car. I felt fresh, strong and motivated already for that day(Not sure if it was because I would meet Samaneh) I think it always happens to me, when I meet people I like a lot-I become socially incapable. (This time I dropped a glass in the front porch of a fancy Volvo restaurant. Or actually I didn't it was the awesomely funny Chinese guy Hisen Guo) However, with the kind person she naturally is, she put up with my silliness and immaturity. It impressed me how much effort she took or with my special preference of vegetarian food and translating to me the starters and main course. I would be so embarrassed if I had to deal with all the sophistication and complexity of that restaurant myself.After the lunch we drove to the Volvo museum. It is a nice glass building and I could see the antique cars glorifying it. I walked in and walked straight to the merchandise (Like a dream for an Indian to own Volvo merchandise). it was a guided tour and along the way we found statues of Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielsson the founders of Volvo. I asked my friend to click funny pictures of me with those statues- people who have achieved beyond it all. As I posed to this picture, in the corner of my eye I saw Samaneh carefully listening to our guide with all interest and curiosity. Like a thunder, it flashed to me what she had said during lunch- "there is just so much to learn". I witnessed that side of her. Humility in her nature, thirst for knowledge. She stood there, as I processed these thoughts within me.

She stands as a role model to me today-now. A perfect blend of professionalism and rationalism. She stands for what she is and what she believes in. She has integrated herself into the Swedish culture still managing to hold her Iranian roots strong. As I interacted with her more often now a days, I have realized the beautiful side of her. Conversations with her make me feel like I have found a new person within me. She has narrated to me about her experiences as a student, as a lady, as a wife. She has taught me to be practical (being healthy and happy as-well). She genuinely cared for me. She took great pains to find me a summer job (even when it wasn't her job). And when I started the job, she was constantly advising me to maintain good posture and diet, and also helping me find myself within these few days. Slowly transforming me into a sophisticated lady(However, I am lousy enough to practice none) When I asked her about it she said "If you were my brother I would do the same". It was enough to say she was like a sister to me(or a kid- as she calls me during fika). The care, compassion and the protective nature I received from her at work is nothing more I can ask for (feels like I belong here).