A response to my mentees (Fetra Eddy, Ravaka and Harifenitra): I am equally proud and lucky to be on this adventure with you.

By Sarobidy Rakotonarivo

My dear colleagues,

Your words have touched me deeply. Thank you. Truly, thank you. Hearing such heartfelt sentiments means more to me than you can possibly know. It’s the greatest reward a mentor could ask for.

While I’m incredibly grateful for your kind words and trust, I’ve had moments of self-doubt, questioning if I’m meeting your needs while also managing my other commitments. I must admit that juggling the energy and time required to give your work the attention it deserves with my research and engagement activities has been challenging. I want you to know that I’m constantly striving to provide you with the most effective support and advice, and I sometimes find it difficult to strike the right balance.

Please know that I understand the hurdles you face in achieving the standards and quality of work that we both aspire to. I am very aware that you have not had the same educational opportunities that I have had, and I am also very aware of the challenges that we face here in Madagascar, such as your limited access to good quality research materials and seminars, the frequent power outages, and the frustratingly slow internet. These factors, combined with the daily realities of city traffic and poor infrastructure, including limited access to reliable sanitation, require dedication, and I want to support you in navigating them.

Nevertheless, like the blue iris in this gift, symbolizing hope and faith, you’ve shown remarkable resilience, you’ve shown me that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones. I now firmly believe that you will become brilliant researchers. The path may be longer, filled with drafts, and red inks, but we will get there. Every bit of effort is worth it, “tsy misy mafy tsy laitry ny zoto”.

I feel so inspired now, more than ever to continue this mentoring journey with you. And I want you to know that you are the reason I feel so inspired. It’s your dedication, curiosity, and perseverance that fuel my passion for mentoring. Seeing you grow makes me proud, as iron sharpens iron, we are sharpening one another (Proverbs 27:17). I see my role as less of a « guide » and more of a fellow traveler on this journey. We learn from each other , your questions challenge me, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside you as you carve your own paths.

So, while I appreciate your generous words, please know that this journey is a shared one. Your growth is my success. And I am equally proud and lucky to be on this adventure with you. Thank you for trusting me, and for being such wonderful colleagues. I am excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish.

I am also deeply grateful to all my mentors and colleagues, especially Neal Hockley, whose guidance has profoundly impacted my journey. Above all, I attribute all glory to God, my supreme guide and mentor, who promises ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.’ (Psalm 32:8)