It’s amazing what you’ll find when you’re cleaning out closets.
The other day, I found a graduation card with a handwritten note from David Fortney, one of my journalism professors — a man I knew as a mentor, a very talented writer, and a friend.
David was a Vietnam veteran. Prior to his years teaching journalism at Truman State University, he’d worked as a journalist for The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Stars and Stripes, and Radio Free Europe.
David was a constant presence in my life during my four years of undergraduate work. In 1998-99, he helped me during a trying academic year. He mentored and encouraged me through a time of indecision, a time when I had little confidence in myself or my abilities to be the editor-in-chief of the university’s magazine, called Detours.
David and I parted ways after graduation in 1999. Aside from a few phone calls, our paths never crossed again. He died in 2011. And finding this card was a sad reminder that I never thanked him properly for his investment in me.
Here is his note to me:
Eric –
That confidence mentioned on the cover [of the card] comes from confronting our fears, rather than running from them. That’s what you did when you decided to stick it out and finish the job we gave you to do with Detours.
You did a good job and grew a lot in the process. I’ve enjoyed knowing you and watching you mature over the past four years — especially the last one. Take some time now to reflect on the path you’ve traveled and what lies ahead.
Remember you’ll always have a fan who hangs out at Dave’s Sidewalk Cafe. Good luck, young friend; stay in touch and keep me posted on your journey ahead. And any time that confidence starts to sag, drop by and we’ll go have a bagel.
– All the best
Dave
My advice today is this: Thank your mentors for their investment in you.
A note. A phone call. An email. A meeting for a cup of coffee. Perhaps a bagel.
Just something special to let them know where you are, how you’re doing, and how much you appreciate all they did for you.
Then, pay it forward.
Mentor someone. Encourage someone. Invest in someone’s life. Give that person the gift of your time and your God-given talents to help them.
How have you thanked your mentors?
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Church marketing doesn’t have to be so tough. It can be as simple as a smile, time spent with a friend, or a thank you note. Subscribe today to learn more about this thing we call Hands and Feet Marketing.