“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” As I ponder on this quote was from none other than the mogul herself, Oprah Winfrey, I am reminded of a person that helped me to see the hope from within.
I remember it like it was yesterday. There I was – a first-generation college student, sitting inside a Quiznos, terrified for my life on how I was going to survive freshman year; or better yet, survive the next four years. I had always known that I wanted to pursue Electrical Engineering as a major, until I met my arch nemesis – Calculus. My zeal and excitement entering the School of Engineering for the first time quickly faded after failing Calculus in my second semester. The tables had turned, abruptly.
My Pastor, Albert Chatmon, had just happened to be an Electrical Engineer. He was a Senior Executive at Northrop Grumman in their Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore. He retired in 2012 after supporting the corporation as a Engineer for 24 years. I came to him in my time of need, because the imposter syndrome was taking over, and I began reconsidering my major. He sat me down in Quiznos, and we discussed a strategy plan over lunch.
He shared with me his journey and same struggles navigating Electrical Engineering at Howard University. He encouraged me to stay the course, re-enroll in Calculus and press through, while also offering to tutor me when available. I was inspired that his journey was so similar, and even with his struggles in Calculus, here he was – a highly respected Engineer at one of the top aerospace and defense corporations. I held dear to his assurance, retook Calculus that summer, and passed Calculus with flying colors. I had regained my confidence that I was right where I belonged, and I would one day be a respected Engineer just like Bishop Chatmon.
The serendipity of it all is that I actually went on to join Northrop Grumman as my first internship while at Morgan State. A few recruiters came to campus for on-sight interviews, and at this point, I was very familiar with the company. As I navigated throughout the interview process, I decided to keep it a secret from my mentor, Bishop Chatmon, so that I could surprise him once I sealed the deal. A few weeks later, I had received my offer letter, and surprised him on the following Sunday; he was elated! It was a full-circle moment, from the timid college Freshman, to now the confident Junior that had just landed his first internship – which would set the trajectory of a great career in Technology Consulting.
Bishop Chatmon not only inspired me to see the hope from within myself, but also inspired dozens of other youth throughout our community. Not only has he been the perfect example of a STEM Superhero for youth and young adults in our church, but he has also been the perfect example of what is means to be a leader for your community. In my older age, I am now just beginning to grasp the level of commitment that he took on, not only working full-time in a demanding career, but then contributing hours upon hours to sustain our church and also ensure that he was making an impact in our community – through his mentorship, service, and leadership. Bishop Chatmon is the greatest example of a STEM Superhero whose impact extends beyond his office walls but also into the hearts and minds of teens who hope to bring their dreams to fruition. I was one of those teenagers, and I am forever grateful for his guidance.
