“I really do think that the most important thing you did for me while I was at Lakefield was simply being there whenever I needed someone to talk to and when I needed someone to be on my side ...” (Opposite) L-R: Bruce McMahon, Chance (the dog), Erica Thompson, Kathleen Hughes, Kaycee Morrison, Monica Farlow, Sarah McLean, Melisa Zubrikas, Miles Rees Spear, Rakesh
“Although not everyone in the advisor group hung
ear to bend and a partner to celebrate with. Monica
out during the regular school day, when we met as a
Farlow ’08, writing from King’s College, had a similar
group there was always something to talk and laugh
view: “To have someone to talk to during a rough day,
about,” recalls advisee Melissa Zubrickas ’08, who
or a great day, or any kind of day, is what makes a
is now in Australia. “The dinners at the McMahons,
student happy.”
always having snacks at meetings, and having a t-shirt with McMahon dressed as a nun on it are some of my fondest memories.” (Please ignore the nun reference— sometimes advising can be stressful!)
So often we feel that by not doing something we have not done anything. I learned over the years of advising that nothing can sometimes be the best something an advisor can do. We think that our role as advisor is to
I also asked Erica, who is now in her first year at
guide and help students through difficult times, and
university, to comment on the role of the advisor. “I
often it is just that. However, it is equally important
really do think that the most important thing you did
to listen and do so in a way that you truly hear what is
for me while I was at Lakefield was simply being there
not being said. The sound of silence is sometimes more
whenever I needed someone to talk to and when I
valuable than any comment or advice.
needed someone to be on my side,” she wrote. “After a bad day or a bad test, I always felt I could go to you for support and encouragement.” Erica almost always knew the answers to her own questions; she did not need me to call in the cavalry, but she did need an
My advisees were a grand group and I was very fortunate to have been able to spend time with them. I wish them all the best as they spread their wings. BRUCE MCMAHON Grove News Fall/Winter 2009 | 9