Where are the mentors?

Every year, at this time of the year, I get an opportunity to read the applications and essays of many aspiring students who are interested in graduate education abroad. Many are from Pakistan, with a strong academic record, and a strong desire to pursue higher education and research careers. Yet, their applications as well as of those who contact me and my colleagues just for advice, leaves a lot to be desired. Beyond the challenges of language and expression, which is a separate problem altogether, these aspiring students are unable to make a strong case for themselves. Their applications are unable to convince me, and certainly my colleagues who are unfamiliar with the Pakistani system (and its inherent challenges). As a result, most of these aspiring students do not reach their full potential. The problem is not with these students and their well-intentioned goals, but instead in our system that does not foster the culture of mentorship.

Here, I want to clarify several things. First, it is not to say that none of the students from Pakistan are able to make a strong case, or that somehow our students are not good enough. That is absolutely not the case. Every year, many talented students do make it to top institutions around the world and do great things. But that is exactly my point, that those who do make it, often have strong mentors and also have had the privilege of attending well-established (and often private) institutions. For the vast majority, who attend public sector institutions, yet have ambitions in research and scholarship, mentorship mechanisms are non-existent. Second, there are some efforts at local level by some dedicated individuals, but they are not meeting the needs of a broad group of students in the public sector. Third, the problem of mentorship is not just for applications for graduate admission. These problems also extend themselves in career development, research publications and preparing competitive research proposals. In a country where the HEC is nearly defunct and becoming increasingly irrelevant, research endeavours need to look abroad for funding and sustainability. Unfortunately, a bulk of the proposals that are submitted from Pakistan, including many that I have reviewed, are unable to make a strong case despite the immense inherent value of the questions posed by the researchers.

Let us also analyse a couple of myths. First, there is the argument that if our best students leave the country, they will never come back. That may or may not be true, but we will never be able to hold on to the top intellect by denying them quality advice. Instead, their bond with the land will be much stronger if we take an active role in their development. Second, some would argue that everything is available on the internet and hence there is no need for mentorship anymore. Unfortunately, information does not equal guidance. The relationship between a mentor and a mentee is far bigger than just an information transfer. Moreover, for someone who has no idea about the process, information overload can be very overwhelming.

Now, let us turn to how to build structures of mentorship. First, we have to ask ourselves, whether we are willing and eager to ‘pay it forward’? Or, are our inherent insecurities stopping us from helping others? If we see an opportunity that is perfect for a junior colleague, do we help him or her? Or do we instead put our own name forward, even if we may not be suitable for it? Second, mentorship is both individual and institutional. The legacy and impact of institution is not from a red brick building, but from the intellect it fosters and cultivates. Institutions of higher education, particularly in the public sector, need to recognise the lack of mentorship resources and create ways to engage its successful alumni, well-wishers and citizens in general who are able to contribute. If they reach out, they will find plenty of helping hands.

There is little difference to the outsider between no talent and untapped talent. If we believe, as we often say, that there is immense talent in society, let this be a litmus test of our belief and commitment.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th,  2015.

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