In honor of Logos Consulting Group’s 22nd anniversary, Logosfolk are sharing stories about our mentors – the people who invested in our success.
As I have reflected on my mentors, someone who has profoundly inspired me in my academic and professional career is my professor and the Associate Dean at Sarah Lawrence College, Dr. Lyde Cullen-Sizer.
During my time as a student at Sarah Lawrence, I was fortunate enough to take several of Professor Sizer’s classes. I also served as her teaching assistant.
She is an incredible teacher. In her classes, she pushed me to engage with history, writing, and literature in ways that were both challenging and thought-provoking. She had a remarkable ability to make complex historical narratives come alive, inspiring me to think critically about the past and its relevance to the present. Her passion for history and intellectual rigor left an indelible mark on my academic journey.
However, what made Professor Sizer so remarkable was not just her scholarly expertise, but her genuine care for her students. She was always willing to invest her time and energy into helping us succeed, no matter how long it took. I vividly remember the countless hours we spent in her office, going over a single essay multiple times. Her meticulous attention to detail and insistence on clarity of thought and expression were transformative. Each draft was an opportunity for growth, as she patiently guided me through the process of refining my ideas and articulating them in the most compelling way possible. Some essays were revised ten or more times, but Professor Sizer never let me settle for anything less than excellence. Her feedback was never just about correcting mistakes – it was about cultivating a deeper understanding of the material, as well as of myself as a writer and thinker.
Professor Sizer’s influence has shaped not only my academic achievements but also my perspective on learning, teaching, and personal growth. Her mentorship went far beyond the classroom. By working with her, I gained confidence in my writing, learning how to craft arguments with precision and depth. She also modeled integrity and perseverance. Her path demonstrated how passion for one’s field, combined with hard work, can lead to both personal and intellectual fulfillment.
Her example has stayed with me, and her lessons continue to inform my approach to both academic and professional challenges. She has inspired me to aim higher, to think more critically, and to write more effectively. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
Comments