Janell Odom

With compassion, understanding, and patience, Janell Odom connects with others to help them grow.

As a new Diversifying Science mentor last year, Janell found that only one of her two mentees would respond to her messages. Instead of being frustrated, Janell ensured she was available to both students and let them know she was a resource. She then poured her care into the mentee who was responding.

Janell met each week with the mentee, who was not confident in their major choice and so was not thriving in their classes. Originally matched with the student through their common major, Janell asked open-ended questions to understand other things they had in common and to learn more about the student's experiences on campus. By being non-judgmental about the student's transitions, Janell was able to make a true connection with her mentee which carried through the year.

When her student struggled in core classes, Janell avoided blame or judgement, met the student at their level of achievement and shared in celebrating small steps toward success while encouraging the higher achievement she knew was possible. 

When her second student unexpectedly reached out to her after our mentoring program was over, Janell gladly video chatted with them over Thanksgiving break for a significant time, without any requirement to do so.

“It would have been easy for Janell to be less invested in this student who didn’t engage during the semester,” said her nominator, “but she saw that opportunity and took time out of her break to build community and support someone who wanted support.  This led her to build a relationship with that student, who then continued with the mentor program through the spring.”

“Janell continues to lead with her ethic of love and connect with students, no matter their academic or cultural background,” said her nominator. "I’ve not met another student who leads with such a strong ethic of care for your fellow person as Janell.”

Her nominator said Janell’s compassion, consideration, and respect extends beyond those she mentors: “Seeing a student crying outside, Janell has stopped without hesitation to ask what was wrong and sat with the student to provide resources, and most importantly, just listen.”

A Junior in Biological Sciences in the College of Science, Janell plans to continue a life that encourages civility, growth, and wisdom. Her nominator said that the care and dedication that Janell shares with our campus today will elevate her planned endeavors in public health or medicine.

“Civility means being able to have understanding, grace, respect, and love for a person as they are,” Janell said. “Acceptance of what they are sharing and love for who they are as a person are the two things that I bring to every conversation, especially tough conversations.”

For connecting with her fellow students through grace and compassion that empowers their growth, I am proud to present the Aspire! Award for PRACTICE CIVILITY to Janell Odom.