Jose Carlos Azcarraga

"Way back in high school, I remember my internship at Dr Malou Enriquez Lab. The whole laboratory felt like a family. People helping out each other. And I felt being included and welcomed there. Almost as if I'm part of the family. And I treat this whole lab family as my mentors. This was the start of a good relationship.

That idea of inclusivity and the welcoming atmosphere made it easier to intern there. I found it comfortable, and not scared at all to ask about any scientific concepts. There was a lot of sharing of scientific ideas, science problems, and even food. I learned a great deal about cell biology, molecular biology. I got to use microscopes that I only dreamed of using as a kid. I even got to see my own chromosomes. The internship ended after a month. That was 6 years ago, and I still find myself seeing these people each year, and helping them out in the little things. I find it amusing that I am in a completely different field from these lab fam. They are in cell biology. I am in computer science.

But the idea of mentorship breaks the walls of disciplines and my mentors still find me opportunities and still reach out for guidance. I am really grateful for this.

Perhaps this is why I find myself into this idea of spreading mentorship. By building good connections, you not only have the support. But you find it easier to make good career and life decisions. And even good relationships you can depend on inside and outside of the academe. Plus having good caring mentors really helps in ways I have no words for. But I hope to somehow share this with other young aspiring Filipinos."