«This is not a synthale kind of night.» Bashir in Star Trek DS9 «Explorers» Today a two related topics brought up in two different events coincided. I gave a lecture about expertise which — tangentially — addressed the role of parents in children’s musical careers. And I attended a science slam which was under the header of mentorship — esp. for students whose parents did not attend university. In the science slam (crowded lecture hall), an ad hoc voting revealed that most of the students had at least on parent who attended the university. Yep, that’s a huge thing in Germany. And when the contestants were asked about mentors in their lives, many mentioned their parents. Well, and good (doctoral/Ph.D.) supervisors. As one contestant put it brilliantly: «A mentor is someone who believes in you more than you do.» Which is very depressing if you did not have that support — and you have to agree with the assertion that it is impossible to have a career without it. Anyway. On the plus side, it gives me a unique perspective and the drive to spread the knowledge I wish I had earlier. Well, adapted for today’s situation. And yeah, if [...]
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