Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and for doing the emotionally-grueling work of telling Rob and Jackie's very important story. I think that your son's middle name and your establishing the scholarship fund in Rob's memory are a great testament to the strong bond you two shared.
I am a prof at a medical school where we have a significant commitment to diversity in all forms. Some of my students come from very humble backgrounds, and I do my best to leave my door open to them so that I can help them with whatever challenges may be impacting their ability to succeed academically. While I've heard many personal stories over the years, I can't help but wonder how many Robs have been in my classroom. After all, he studied in my field and aspired to be the kind of student I taught. But if you could live with him for four years and still have so much to learn about his life, how could I, as a mentor, know enough to truly help students like him? And even if I did know a students' personal story on this level, how could I help them to overcome the challenges of living with each foot in two dramatically different worlds? Rob's story will stay with me. Thank you again.
I am a prof at a medical school where we have a significant commitment to diversity in all forms. Some of my students come from very humble backgrounds, and I do my best to leave my door open to them so that I can help them with whatever challenges may be impacting their ability to succeed academically. While I've heard many personal stories over the years, I can't help but wonder how many Robs have been in my classroom. After all, he studied in my field and aspired to be the kind of student I taught. But if you could live with him for four years and still have so much to learn about his life, how could I, as a mentor, know enough to truly help students like him? And even if I did know a students' personal story on this level, how could I help them to overcome the challenges of living with each foot in two dramatically different worlds? Rob's story will stay with me. Thank you again.
All the best,
SD