Mentorship Matters—UGA Mentor Program Inspires Students

English major Mann Sy Tha credits his time in the UGA Mentor Program to his newfound knowledge of writing and publishing speculative fiction—specifically, short stories. “I have always been passionate about creative writing and eventually publishing,” Sy Tha says in a reflection of the program for his English 4001: Careers for English Majors course taught by Christine Lasek-White. “I now have a view into what being a professional author looks like.”

Upon joining the UGA Mentor Program, Sy Tha challenged himself to write a 3,000 – 4,000-word short story that would then be submitted to various speculative fiction publications at the end of the sixteen-week program. Through his mentor Lauren Teffeau (MMC ’05), he learned about many aspects of the publishing landscape. From being introduced to writing resources and creativity exercises, to learning about the marketing aspect of publishing, Sy Tha and Teffeau covered a vast range of ground throughout the program.

Sy Tha says he realized that even under a self-imposed deadline, it is possible to be creative in one’s work. “Creativity is spontaneous and can arise out of the most random things,” he writes.
He also credits mentor Teffeau with his new knowledge of helpful online writing resources such as writer forums, communities, and articles from other writers. “There are so many amazing resources online that I simply was not aware of,” he said of the tools inspired him to continue writing.

“I certainly feel as though my time with Lauren Teffeau has equipped me to better face the short story submission landscape,” Sy Tha continues. “I am very happy to have made this connection through the mentorship program.”

Whether you join the UGA Mentor Program as a mentor or mentee, you become part of connecting the Dawgs. The program gives students the opportunity to connect with experienced faculty, staff, and alumni based on goals and interests. Join today and experience what it means to have another member of the Bulldog family in your corner.

Image: Mann Sy Tha