Mentor Coach Spotlight: 

Tate DeVito is a former Mentor Coach who recently ran on the ANY NYC Marathon team and raised over $10,000 to support our first-generation college student programs. He ran the race in honor of his father who recently passed away. His father was a teacher and a strong advocate for mentorship specifically to help students succeed in their careers and life.

Why did you decide to run a marathon, and why America Needs You?

I moved to New York City right after graduating college and have grown to really love this place. I watched the NYC marathon year after year and just loved that the energy and atmosphere were amazing. I always felt the marathon was something I wanted to be a part of. I told myself I would do it “one day” as sort of a bucket list item.

Earlier this year, I suddenly lost my dad, and as a result, I really internalized how short life can be and that I did not want to put off all of those things I said I “would do one day”, including the NYC marathon. Losing my dad was my primary motivation for running the marathon this year specifically – I felt there was no time like the present to go out and do it and try to honor my dad in completing it.

It was an easy choice for me to join Team America Needs You. ANY is an organization I’ve been familiar with for a while. As a former Mentor Coach, I have seen first-hand the impact mentors have in helping ambitious students with tons of potential achieve their dreams. My dad strongly believed in mentoring students and dedicated a lot of time to it. He always taught us that the power of education could change lives, and he also mentored students in ways that did change lives. I’ve seen ANY do the same thing. I am so excited that I was able to be on their team for such a cool event!

How has the power of mentorship shown itself in your life, personally and/or professionally?

Mentorship has helped me with almost everything in my life, and is everywhere for me. I think the key is that I am very active in choosing my mentors, and I am always looking for them. I look for mentors as opposed to letting them come to me.

Here are some things I keep in mind when looking for mentors:

• I look for people who have done things I want to do and then try to figure out how they did them – simple as that.
• Set up a conversation – Once I identify possible mentors, the best way to start relationships with them has been just setting up conversations in person or over the phone where I could talk to them and ask any questions I had. I usually reach out by email to start.
• Age/seniority doesn’t matter to me – Some of my most vital mentors are my same age or even younger.
• Fame/status doesn’t matter to me – Never be afraid to reach out to someone who’s reached a high level of status/fame because you think they won’t have time – they’re just regular people too who had to start somewhere! You might be surprised how many of them are willing to help if you ask nicely and are willing to help if you ask nicely and are genuine.
• Keeping those conversations going is crucial – After you get advice from a mentor, see if you can put it to use and keep them updated, and then rinse and repeat!

What advice would you give a Fellow to make the most of their college experience?

Seek out Friendships

• The friendships you make in college are one of the greatest treasures in life. For me, college was maybe the only time in life I lived so close to so many friends and was able to meet new friends and form bonds so quickly.
• Friendship can also serve as a mentorship – My friends and I spent so much time studying for tests, comparing class notes, challenging each other, sharing our interests and ideas, and being there for each other through the good times and the hard times.
• Friends are a huge part of my network today. Some of the most productive career conversations I’ve had have been with my previous dorm mates, classmates, and peers who are now all out in the world doing amazing, different things!
• Make friends with your professors. They know SO much and, more often than not, would love to help. If you have a teacher you really like, just try going to their office hours and getting to know them! This is a great source of mentorship.

Explore, Explore, Explore

• College is a perfect time to explore lots of different interests and passions both in and outside of the classroom
• Try tons of different stuff, even after you pick a major
• You may have a moment where you think “I don’t know what I want to do!” – remember right then you are EXACTLY where you should be – it is your time to explore.

Have Fun

• Don’t forget to make time for the fun stuff!
• Joining a club that is just for your own enjoyment, or even just messing around with your friends – none of that is a waste of time! These might even be some of your fondest memories.

Prioritize Mental Health

• No test, grade, major, or achievement is ever worth sacrificing your mental health over.
• Everybody struggles in college at times and many worthwhile challenges in college that I took on required dedication, patience, and hard work.
• However, if you ever get to a point with school or your involvements where it really becomes too much and you’re not even enjoying it, in my experience it is really not worth it to push through that alone – talk to people you feel comfortable with, be it a friend, mentor, therapist, family member (or all of the above!) so you can get another perspective and readjust as you need to
• Take time to give yourself breaks and readjust as necessary. In my case, adjustments I made during times of my greatest struggles were often the most pivotal in moving me toward things I love!

If you would like to learn more about running on Team ANY in races across the country, please reach out to Melisa Vallovera at melisa.vallovera@americaneedsyou.org

Support our programs and help us build a more equitable future by making a tax-deductible donation to America Needs You.