I recently spoke at my Rotary International District 6920 Annual Conference. Our District Governor, Hamsa Thota, is encouraging each of our local clubs to begin a mentorship program…and specifically, to encourage agri-business entrepreneurship. He was looking for a story to encourage current Rotarians to mentor students and young adults…and I have just the story.
During my senior year of high school Mrs. Linda Roberts, my math teacher (and, best teacher of all time!) encouraged us to find a PAL. These were Partners in Action for Learning…I think. This could be anyone with a job we wanted to do to someone we thought was cool. I chose Dr. Robert Hingson. Dr. Hingson and his wife, Toby, retired to Ocilla from Pittsburgh, PA.After they retired here, Dr. Hingson and my grandfather became friends through our Ocilla Rotary Club. I remember going to dinners with them as a child. And, I thought he had an interesting story. As it turns out, he lived an incredible life that I was fortunate to learn about my senior year of high school.
Dr. Hingson was a retired anesthesiologist, Dr. Hingson was also a professor, inventor, and humanitarian. He spoke at the Rotary International Convention in 1978 as the keynote speaker. He traveled around the globe helping immunize people using technology that he invented. And, he retired to Ocilla! And, as most people do, they had a connection. Mrs. Toby’s grandfather built the home some years prior, using the same bricks used to build our county’s courthouse. How cool is that?!
As we finish another school year, I think about Mrs. Roberts, who was one of the most influential teachers in my life…and, who continues to brighten everyone’s day whom she encounters. And, I think about the tremendous impact Dr. Hingson had on the direction of my life. As he mentored me, I gained a vision of how I can use my talents and resources to benefit others around the world. I’m very grateful for Mrs. Roberts’ mentorship in my life and her leadership as she encouraged us to seek out a mentor. And, I’m grateful for Dr. Hingson, who simply shared his time and stories with me.
May we all follow their examples and share our time and resources with those behind and around us.