- Email:
- jlgathin@indiana.edu
- Campus:
- IU Bloomington
What did you want to be when you were a child? How did your path lead you to the job you currently have?
I wanted to be a lawyer! I watched The Cosby Show all the time and wanted to be like Claire Huxtable. She was always so cool and poised.
I played basketball at IU and my ultimate goal was to go to the WNBA. Even in the face of setbacks in the form of several injuries, I was resilient.
After college, I wanted to wear fancy suites and be a powerful businesswoman. I worked in the marketing/sales world, however I soon realized this was not exactly where I got the right adrenaline pump. Fortunately, enough for me during the 2008 recession wave, I was laid off. I then found myself in higher education.
That was overwhelming as a recent graduate, but I saw it as an opportunity to pivot. I started working as an academic advisor. I realized I could use my marketing skills and also inculcate my love for working with people. I have been doing this for 13 years, and I love it! Everything worked out for the best.
In moments of self-doubt/adversity how do you build yourself back up?
As a college basketball player, with a lot of injuries, I was used to setbacks. About 4-5 times in my basketball career, I was prepared to get surgery and get back on the court.
In October 2008 I got laid off and that was a difficult time. I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do. So, I googled individuals I played against in college and then thought to google myself as well!
I found this article that was printed when I was a senior at IU. The article made me emotional because I realized how persistent and resilient, I was. I recalled the strength I had in college. If I could do it then, I can do it now. Remembering the times in the past when I persevered and remembering I am still that person helps me build myself back up.
What do you think are some qualities that you have that make you a great mentor?
I think I remain true to who I am. My personality is what it is- sometimes I am loud, sometimes I am quiet, sometimes I am outgoing, and I am okay with every aspect of who I am. That shows honesty and transparency to my students. If we need to cry, we will. We need to joke, we will. I have even coined this term- Big sister, auntie, cousin Jamie because I know I wear many hats in order to meet their needs. I give advice from different perspectives, whichever helps them the most. It is beyond cool, that I have the opportunity to work at the Kelley School of Business, where I once walked the same halls. I get to be exactly what I needed when I was a student. I get to show up for my students as my true authentic self which allows me to be and become a great mentor.
Can you share some advice for people who are trying to seek mentors?
Curiosity! Being curious about how a person got to where they are. Put on your curiosity hat. Get to know people. On average, people love to share their stories. if you show interest, they WILL open up. Ask follow-up questions and you can get a lot of actionable advice or things you can keep in mind. If we are curious about people around us, we can find some who will potentially be in our corner. Small things can open doors for conversations.
I always encourage students to think about this- What is the worst someone can say when you ask them a question? The absolute worst is a mere no. Going into the conversation, if that’s the worst that can happen you are prepared. The no could be because they do not have time or have a rough patch. It has nothing to do with who you are. Being curious, willing to talk and having the courage to ask can help you find great mentors.
What's your go to stressbuster/ something you do to relax?
I love reading! I love to sneak away and delve into someone else’s story. I also like outdoorsy stuff like kayaking, biking and roller-skating.
Is there a woman, past or present who you admire or look up to?
My mom and my 5th grade math teacher, Mrs. Davis. Mrs. Davis was a black educator who took academics seriously, and she was also a visionary. The way she set up her class set me up for future success. She had this K-mart store in class, which required students to work and maintain the premises so that we could learn about different intricacies of life. I learned how to write a check, stock shelves, and maintain inventory. I also wrote my longest research paper when I was in her class at 10 years old. She expanded my horizons and reminded me that I could do so much. I look back and see how she was so intentional; I am filled with gratitude for all her efforts.