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JANUARY 2025
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
THE VALUE OF MENTORSHIP
A Tribute to Melanie Fahey and the Mentors Who Shape Us
As we usher in the new year, it feels fitting to reflect on the people who shape and inspire us — our mentors. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, each leaving their mark on who I am today. From encouraging teachers to trusted colleagues, these relationships have guided me personally and professionally. But today, I want to dedicate this space to someone who has been instrumental in my growth: my colleague and mentor, Melanie Fahey. Since joining Rinehardt Law Firm, Melanie has been a pillar of support, guidance, and encouragement. Professionally, she’s the kind of mentor every young attorney dreams of having. Whether we’re troubleshooting a tricky legal issue or brainstorming strategy for a case, Melanie is always ready to share her insights and advice. I’ve asked her more questions than I can count, and she has a gift for answering with such warmth and understanding that I’ve never felt silly or out of place for asking. Her brilliance, combined with her genuine and empathetic nature, inspires me to be the best version of myself, both as an attorney and as a person. Melanie’s kindness extends beyond professional mentorship. She’s a source of calm and reassurance for everyone in the office, including our staff, who trust her to
listen and treat their concerns with respect and dignity. Personally, Melanie has become a dear friend. As a mother of two grown boys, she’s a wealth of wisdom when it comes to life, relationships, and the delicate balance of work and family. Her advice is always thoughtful and encouraging, and it’s comforting to know I have someone in my corner, cheering me on no matter what. I am deeply grateful to have her at the firm and in my life. Looking back, my journey to this point has been shaped by so many remarkable mentors. In elementary school, Mrs. Hassman took me under her wing during my time as student council president. Her guidance helped me develop leadership skills I still rely on today. In high school, Ms. Thorburn, my freshman English teacher, encouraged me to join the yearbook staff — a decision that led to four years of creative collaboration and eventually becoming editor-in-chief. Through that experience, I honed my writing, leadership, and teamwork skills, and fell in love with the art of storytelling. Camp Wise, the overnight camp I attended for 10 summers, introduced me to inspiring counselors who nurtured my independence and resilience. In college, my professors and sorority sisters — especially my “big,”
Lauren Sims — taught me the importance of camaraderie and support in achieving goals.
Each of these mentors left a lasting impression, but Melanie stands out for her unwavering belief in me, her generosity of spirit, and her example of what it means to lead with integrity and heart. As we begin 2025, I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect on the mentors who have shaped your life. If you have the opportunity, thank them for their impact. And if you find yourself in a position to mentor someone else, embrace it — because the value of mentorship is immeasurable.
Happy New Year!
- Rachel
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MAKING THE MOST OF MENTORSHIP A GUIDE FOR MENTEES
While much has been written about how to be an effective mentor, the role of a mentee is equally crucial in creating a successful mentoring relationship. Being a good mentee isn’t just about showing up and listening — it’s about actively participating in your own growth and development. Here are key strategies to help you maximize your mentoring experience. Come prepared, stay engaged. The most successful mentees treat each interaction with their mentor as a valuable opportunity. Before each meeting, prepare a clear agenda or list of topics you’d like to discuss. Take notes during your conversations — this not only helps you retain information but also shows your mentor you value their input. Review these notes before your next meeting to track your progress and identify areas where you need further guidance. Be clear about your goals. Your mentor isn’t a mind reader. Communicate your professional aspirations and specific areas where you’d like guidance. Are you looking to develop particular skills? Navigate office politics? Expand your professional network? The more specific you can be about your goals, the better equipped your mentor will be to help you achieve them. Show initiative. Don’t wait for your mentor to assign you tasks or suggest next steps. Take the initiative to identify opportunities for growth and learning. If your mentor mentions a relevant book or article, read it. If they suggest attending an industry event, make it a priority. Better yet, come to them with your own suggestions and ideas for professional development. Respect boundaries and time. Your mentor is likely a busy professional volunteering their time to help you grow. Be punctual for meetings, come prepared, and stick to agreed-upon time limits. If you need to reschedule, give plenty of notice. When requesting advice between scheduled meetings, be mindful of your mentor’s other commitments. Be open to feedback. Perhaps the most crucial aspect of being a good mentee is the ability to receive and act on feedback. Remember that constructive criticism is not personal — it’s a gift that can help you grow. Listen without
becoming defensive, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate that you’re implementing the feedback you receive. Follow through. Actions speak louder than words. When your mentor offers suggestions or assigns tasks, follow through consistently. If you encounter obstacles, communicate these clearly and ask for guidance in overcoming them. Nothing frustrates a mentor more than a mentee who repeatedly fails to act on advice or complete agreed-upon tasks. Share your progress. Keep your mentor informed about how you’re implementing their advice and the results you’re seeing. This doesn’t mean sending daily updates but rather sharing meaningful progress and milestones. Your successes are their successes, and seeing your growth can be incredibly rewarding for a mentor. Express gratitude. While you don’t need to shower your mentor with praise, regularly expressing genuine appreciation for their time and guidance goes a long way. Be specific about how their advice has helped you or what insights you’ve gained from their experience. Build a 2-way relationship. While the primary focus is on your growth, remember that mentorship can be enriching for both parties. Share relevant articles or insights from your own experience that might interest your mentor. Your fresh perspective and enthusiasm can be valuable to them as well. Know when to move on. As you grow and develop, your needs may change. It’s okay to acknowledge when you’ve gotten what you needed from the mentoring relationship or when you need different guidance. Have an honest conversation with your mentor about transitioning the relationship — they may even connect you with someone better suited to your new goals. Remember, being a mentee is an active role that requires dedication, preparation, and follow-through. By approaching the relationship with professionalism and enthusiasm, you can create a rewarding experience that benefits both you and your mentor while building valuable skills for your future career development.
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National Mentoring Month: Empowering Future Generations Through Guidance
Roasted Veggie Bowls
Each January marks National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the profound impact mentors have on young lives and encourage more individuals to become mentors. Established in 2002 by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this observance has grown into a nationwide movement celebrating the power of supportive relationships. The Origins of National Mentoring Month The initiative began when researchers and youth advocates recognized the crucial role mentoring plays in young people’s development. Studies consistently showed that mentored youth are more likely to excel academically, pursue higher education, and develop stronger leadership skills. Former President George W. Bush officially endorsed the observance, and subsequent administrations have continued to support this important initiative. Ways to Get Engaged There are numerous ways to participate in National Mentoring Month: Become a Mentor: Connect with local mentoring organizations or schools to find opportunities that match your skills and availability. Whether through formal programs or informal relationships, your experience and guidance can make a lasting difference. Support Mentoring Organizations: If you can’t commit to being a mentor, consider supporting mentoring programs through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness on social media.
Share Your Story: If you’ve been influenced by a mentor or have mentoring experience, share your story to inspire others. Personal testimonials can encourage both potential mentors and mentees to get involved. Participate in Workplace Mentoring: Initiate or join mentoring programs at your workplace to foster professional development and create a supportive organizational culture. The Impact of Mentoring Research shows that mentoring relationships can: • Improve academic performance and reduce dropout rates • Increase self-confidence and decision-making skills • Expand career opportunities and professional networks
If, like me, you are cleansing this month after too much indulgence over the holidays, try this healthy recipe. These vegan Roasted Veggie Bowls feature cauliflower, carrots, protein-rich quinoa, and a dynamite tahini dressing. Nutrient-packed and perfect for meal prep.
INGREDIENTS • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into
• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds • 1 ripe avocado, sliced • Chopped fresh parsley. for garnish Golden Tahini Dressing • 1/4 cup tahini, well-stirred • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar) • 1 tbsp maple syrup • 2 tsp chili garlic sauce • 1/2 tsp curry powder • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric • 1/4 tsp kosher salt • 3–4 tbsp water
florets (about 6 cups total)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced at a diagonal into 1-inch chunks • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked • 2 cups vegetable broth • 4 packed cups chopped fresh kale
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Develop leadership abilities and social skills Reduce risk-taking behaviors and promote positive choices
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Add cauliflower florets and carrots to a large rimmed baking sheet. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper; toss well to coat. 2. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until crisp and caramelized. 3. Meanwhile, combine quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and gently simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. 4. Remove lid and stir in kale and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve. (The residual heat will soften the kale.) 5. For the tahini dressing, in a medium bowl combine tahini, vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, curry powder, turmeric, and salt; stir well. Gradually whisk in water in 1 tbsp increments until sauce is smooth. (I typically use 3–4 tbsp, depending on how runny the tahini is.) 6. Assemble bowls by dividing quinoa mixture evenly between four bowls. Scatter roasted veggies over top, then add avocado slices. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top. Finish by garnishing each bowl with parsley if desired.
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Looking Forward Consider how you can contribute to this important movement. Whether by becoming a mentor, supporting mentoring programs, or simply expressing gratitude to those who have mentored you, every action helps strengthen the mentoring movement and creates positive change in communities across the nation. Remember, mentoring isn’t just about sharing knowledge — it’s about building relationships that can transform lives and strengthen communities. This January, take the opportunity to get involved and make a difference through mentoring.
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INSIDE THIS EDITION 2404 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
1 My Mentor, My Friend 2 Mentorship: Getting What You Need 3 Get Involved in Mentoring — Here’s How
Roasted Veggie Bowls
4 Thumbs Up for ‘A Complete Unknown’
influence went far beyond just music — he helped Dylan navigate the complex folk music scene of Greenwich Village and introduced him to key figures in the industry. Most importantly, Seeger’s own commitment to authentic storytelling through music helped shape Dylan’s approach to songwriting. Seeger was instrumental in Dylan’s early success, including helping him secure important performances at the Newport Folk Festival. Their relationship exemplified the best aspects of mentorship: a seasoned professional recognizing and nurturing raw talent, while allowing that talent to develop its own unique voice. The mentorship wasn’t without its tensions, particularly as Dylan began to forge his own path and eventually moved away from traditional folk music toward a more electric sound. Yet this too demonstrates an important aspect of successful mentorship — the ability of the mentor to step back and allow the mentee to evolve beyond the initial relationship. “A Complete Unknown” masterfully captures this dynamic relationship. The film brings to life the vibrant folk music scene of the 1960s and shows how the guidance of established artists like Seeger helped shape one of music’s most influential voices. For those interested in music history, mentorship, or simply great storytelling, our firm’s resident Dylan expert, John, and his family give “A Complete Unknown” an enthusiastic recommendation.
Folk Music’s Greatest Mentorship: Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan A Movie Review and Historical Perspective
In the new film “A Complete Unknown,” audiences are treated to a compelling portrayal of young Bob Dylan’s formative years, including one of folk music’s most significant mentorship stories. John and Hillary, along with family, recently saw the film and highly recommend it for music lovers and those interested in the power of mentorship. The film captures a pivotal moment when Dylan, while visiting his idol Woody Guthrie in the hospital, performs a song he wrote for the folk legend. Present at this watershed moment was Pete Seeger, who recognized the raw talent and unique voice of the young musician. This chance encounter would develop into one of music’s most influential mentoring relationships.
Pete Seeger, already a folk music legend by the early 1960s, took the young Dylan under his wing at a crucial time in his career. Seeger’s
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