Elizabeth Berry

Tell us a little about your professional background and some interesting facts that you think prospective mentees may want to know about you. (please limit your response to 150 words as it will be used for your bio): I started out as a high school English teacher, became a library media specialist in Boulder and Adelaide South Australia schools, and now I am a psychotherapist, practicing for over 25 years.  I am an avid reader, traveler (we have done house exchanges around the world), and jazz pianist.  I am a movie and theater buff and love following C.U. basketball and football.  I have volunteered as a mentor with I Have a Dream, a server with Meals on Wheels, a tutor with Intercambio and a board member with Focus Reentry.  We have hosted many foreign students from CU and delegates with the Dushanbe Sister City Project and built houses in Vietnam and South Africa with Habitat for Humanity. I have one grown son and a granddaughter.

My advice to students...

I recommend trying out different leadership opportunities till you find a good fit.  For instance I wasn't cut out to be a board member (fund raising and budgets aren't my thing).   I am much better 1:1.  Listen to find common ground before deciding.  Everyone has their own unique perspective to contribute.  Be curious. Don't assume  Don't jump to judgements. Everyone likes to be appreciated.  Be the appreciator but make it real.   Don't give false praise.  Be yourself even if that means stating an unpopular opinion. Someone else may have the same opinion but be afraid to express it.  Be tactful, be kind.  Admit when you don't know something. Don't fake it. Show grace and acceptance and people will work hard for you.