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Archiver > APG > 2008-02 > 1204214605


From: "Elissa Scalise Powell, CG" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Mentoring
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:03:25 -0500
References: <9fc96e520802280744g1d66cb1en85acfeae9e7c255f@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <9fc96e520802280744g1d66cb1en85acfeae9e7c255f@mail.gmail.com>


Barbara, What a beautiful tribute to Ken.

I remember first meeting Ken at a conference, I think in the APG booth. He
was a bit shy and unsure since I believe it was his first conference (at
least in the states). He couldn't believe it was such a welcoming
experience.

Ken asked as many questions on this list and his blog as he provided
answers. He was a good example of being a mentor and mentee at the same time
(as we all are). Mentors can filter what they know, experience, and have
learned to others and encourage them to gain the personal insights and
knowledge for themselves by pointing out the learning devices that worked
for the mentor. It sounds like Ken was very successful in that.

-- Elissa

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG
www.PowellGenealogy.com
CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for
Certification of Genealogists used under license after periodic evaluations
by the Board.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: [mailto:] On Behalf
Of
> Barbara Schenck
> Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 10:44 AM
> To:
> Subject: Re: [APG] Mentoring
>
> Not long after I first subscribed to the APG list, I asked a question. I
> forget now what it was I wanted to know, but Ken Aitken answered me on
list
> and off.
>
> Thus began a correspondence that grew through my occasional questions to
the
> list and others to Ken himself that he invited (as well as eventually
taking
> courses he 'mentored' at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies).
> It was never 'formal' mentoring, but it was certainly an informal version
of
> the same thing.
>
> By example and insightful questions he taught me how to approach research
> problems, how to learn from the authors of articles written about people I
> had no personal interest in, how to consider varieties of information and
> evidence and how to write a cogent proof argument. He shared with me the
> titles of books that had been helpful to him and the names of researchers
> whose works were always worth reading and studying.
>
> When I said I wanted to go to Samford and take Elizabeth's course, he
said,
> "Take some other courses first. You'll bring more to it and get more out
of
> it that way." I took his advice. He was, as usual, absolutely right. (I
> got a lot out of it, Elizabeth. Thank you.)
>
> I know I am not alone in having had the benefit of Ken's expertise, his
> kindness and his sense of humor. This discussion on mentoring has made me
> reflect again on how much he contributed to my genealogical education. In
> truth he still is, because I do things he taught me every day (certainly
> not as well as he would do them, but I'm getting there).
>
> Barbara Schenck
>
>
>
>
>
> .
>
> -------------------------------
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