Sometimes the gifts we offer begin with inviting someone to take part. For senior Walter Wilson and his mentor, Dean of Students Jake Thurman, a conversation about Stewardship Council helped Walter discover how much he could contribute. Today, both bring their whole selves to the University community.
Jake Thurman needed more students on Stewardship Council. Then-sophomore Walter Wilson wasn’t sure he wanted to be one of them. During mentoring, Jake encouraged him to give it a try. Walter agreed, and found that he loved having a hand in shaping the school community.
“It gave me confidence to explore more of what the school had to offer,” Walter recalls. “I felt like I could do more.”
Now a senior, Walter is a leader in Stewardship Council and Blaze Craze, a multi-sport athlete, and a committed student. Jake sees the same determination whether Walter is defending on the soccer field or tackling challenging coursework. He gives his full effort, often doing the work that helps others succeed without drawing attention to himself.
And anyone who knows Walter knows that he brings plenty of humor along the way.
“Walter is a great example to younger students. You can be fun and have fun and be silly, but also do very important things in and out of the classroom,” Jake says.
Walter recognizes that same wholehearted commitment in his mentor. He describes Jake as passionate about University’s mission and determined to make sure students experience it fully. In Stewardship Council meetings, Jake listens to students’ ideas and works alongside them to make things happen.
“He’s always making sure our opinion matters,” Walter says. “He’s always listening to us.”
That trust has grown through years of mentoring conversations, sometimes they are about school, sometimes it is thirty minutes of talking sports. Knowing Walter so well lets Jake appreciate everything he brings to University. “Every room that Walter’s in is better when he’s there,” Jake says.
Their connection also shapes how Jake teaches. Seeing the full lives of his mentees helps him bring more understanding to every student, including those he knows less well. “Because I get to see Walter as a whole person, it extends to everybody else,” he explains.
Your support of the U Fund makes time for mentors to know students well enough to recognize what they can bring and encourage them to share it. It also sustains J-Term, no-cut sports, and four-year college counseling.
Please give today to help students discover how much they have to offer and the difference they can make in a community.
