“As I reflect on advising, I am reminded that the very same skills it takes to be a parent are those needed to be an effective advisor.  An advisor, like a parent, must continuously deal with the needs of the student/child as an individual, being careful not to assume that what works for one student will work for all.  An advisor must first of all get to know the student as a person, be aware of the strengths and weaknesses as well as the fears and confidences of the student.  An advisor must gain the trust if the student before he/she can expect the student to feel important and cared about.  It is only then that an advisor can expect that the student will take the advice of the advisor and follow through with it.”

Pam Tontodonato