Erin Preston: The Impact of the ZCEI Fellowship Program
Summary
In this powerful episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani sits down with Mrs. Jeni Al Bahrani and Erin Preston, a graduating senior at Thomas More University, to discuss Erin's experience as a fellow at the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The main themes include professional development, mentorship, and the importance of community. Erin shares her journey of initially hesitating to join the program but eventually embracing it and finding success. The conversation also highlights the impact of mentorship and the power of taking on uncomfortable opportunities for personal growth. Erin discusses her job search process and the role of personal relationships in finding employment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Zembrodt Center and its focus
03:13 Professional Development and Mentorship at the Center
09:09 Embracing Uncomfortable Opportunities for Growth
13:06 The Power of Personal Relationships in Finding Employment
26:46 Education is About Relationships
35:26 Expressing Gratitude and Conclusion
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Takeaways
1. The fellowship program focuses on professional development and mentorship, with fellows learning to be both mentees and mentors.
2. Despite initial fears and uncertainty, Erin chose to join the fellowship program, which she describes as her favorite experience at Thomas More.
3. Erin emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and using role models as inspiration rather than trying to emulate them.
4. Mrs. A highlights the mutual benefits of the mentor-mentee relationship, noting how much she has learned and grown from working with Erin and the other fellows.
5. Erin's most proud moment was representing Thomas More at a panel discussion on entrepreneurship programs, where she overcame her nerves to articulate the value of the fellowship program.
6. The power of relationships and community is a central theme. Erin secured her post-graduation job through her connection with Mrs. A and her involvement in the local business community.
7. Dr. A and Mrs. A express their pride in Erin's growth and willingness to embrace discomfort for personal and professional development.
So enjoyed the commentary--congratulations on the interview and expressing the views of Erin as a graduating senior, especially enjoyed the tears!