Andreia Garrett, a FOS graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, was mentored by Katherine Backman, a certified public accountant. They share their experiences below:
Katherine, about Andreia I have been privileged to mentor Andreia Garrett. She is intelligent, high-principled and hard-working. She sets very high goals for herself and always succeeds in what she strives for. She graduated Cum Laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution. Andreia has been working very hard at her jobs, as well as at her studies, so we couldn’t get together as often as I would have liked. I always worried that she did not get enough sleep. I gained a lot of respect and admiration for a young woman who set high goals and is on the way to accomplishing them. Hopefully I also gained a friendship. I know that we will always remain friends. Andreia describes her mentoring experience My mentor of two and a half years has been Katherine Backman. Since we first began meeting monthly, I have learned so much more than I ever could imagine from this amazing woman. Katherine has taken me to several art galleries and museums, helping me to understand the beauty and dedication behind this talent. I love art and never would have guessed that I would be exposed to such prestigious works in my early adulthood. I am a very busy individual yet Katherine is always making sure that I am taking care of myself and making time to breathe in the midst of my chaotic life. Every time we meet, I also get the privilege of sharing a meal and good conversation with Katherine, which is what I enjoy most about our time spent together. I do not always feel like I get enough time to relax in my everyday life, and Katherine makes sure that is all I do when we are together. I am so thankful for the relationship that I have with Katherine as she has been one of my biggest supporters since we met. I cannot thank her enough for all she does for me. Despite how hectic her own life can get, Katherine never stops thinking about me and that means the world to me. I am so thankful for FOS and all they have done for me and cannot thank this organization for allowing Katherine to play such an important role in my life. I have been with FOS for roughly 3 ½ years. I graduated in May 2012 from San Diego State University with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution. In the future, I plan on attending Georgetown’s Peace and Security Program to obtain my Masters Degree, and then I will apply for the FBI as an International Special Agent. |