Back in the late 1980's to early 1990's I was a UNT employee, mom of two children and a student. Unfortunately, I had to also deal with a divorce during that time. Taking one or two classes a semester, I had serious doubts of ever finishing my bachelor degree.

There were no mentoring programs in those days at UNT and few resources for non-traditional students. The task of mentoring primarily fell to a student's academic advisor. I was one of the lucky ones because my advisor was a man whose name has become one held in high esteem by UNT, Dr. David Kesterson. At that time he had a tremendous workload functioning in an administrative position for the College of Arts and Sciences as well as being a faculty member with teaching responsibilities; however, he always made time for his students who went to him for advising. On the days I was most negative and feeling hopeless, Dr. Kesterson was always ready with a smile, great empathy, and a gentle way of rekindling the flame to succeed. I would arrive sad and tired in his office and leave feeling I could take on the world.

Dr. Kesterson did not utilize any fancy mentoring techniques, he simply reminded me of how much he believed in my ability to succeed and stayed positive himself. Advice was given in a constructive way and he was often part of the solution to working out degree plan speed bumps . On my graduation day, I requested Dr. Kesterson hand me my diploma. I still cherish the picture today of him shaking my hand and looking as pleased I was.

A number of years have passed, along with graduate school, a time of growth spent in the telecommunications industry, a terrific new husband, and my return to UNT to work on the EIS project. To this day, when the word "mentor" comes up, it is still my relationship with Dr. Kesterson I reflect on. I am inspired to give back in my business, personal, and church communities what he unselfishly gave me -- time, understanding, empathy, and a belief in the human drive to succeed. I value my educational opportunities for the time and monetary investments they cost me as well as the knowledge I have gained. I value having had an outstanding mentor because it has been a relationship that has proven to be priceless.

~Cathy Gonzalez, UNT Staff Member

“Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.”

~ Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson

More Than Just an Advisor