Mentoring Philosophy Throughout the years, I strengthened in my qualitative research skills under the supervision of my mentor, Doug Schrock, and other faculty members at FSU, UT Austin, Georgia Southwestern, and Valdosta State. In that time I have been privileged enough to gain ethnographic and interview skills crucial for conducting qualitative and sociological analyses. Such skills are transferrable to qualitative research in both the private and public sectors. Today's world is increasingly focused on social justice and combatting inequality. While quantitative research is important, there are prudent research questions that can only be answered by observing people and listening to what they have to say. My goal is to train the vanguard of qualitative researchers who will promote social justice by studying what people do and say.