Be the Person You Needed When You Were Younger: The Power of Mentorship

Mar 13, 2026

We all remember what it was like to stand at the edge of our futures, unsure of which path to take. The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a heavy burden for a high school or college student trying to map out a career they have never actually experienced.

Looking back, many of us can pinpoint the exact moment a professional took us under their wing, answered our questions, and showed us the ropes. They were the people we needed when we were younger. Today, the most impactful thing we can do as professionals is to become that person for the next generation.

At The Gaines Group Architects, mentorship is not just a nice addition to the work week; it is viewed as the key to a healthy profession. Being a “Citizen Architect” means giving back, which is why the firm actively supports organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County and regularly hosts high school and college students for job shadowing and internships.

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