As an undergraduate student, I became hooked on the study of cohabitation after reading articles by Susan L. Brown.  When I decided to apply to Bowling Green State University, I was excited about the potential opportunity to work with someone whose research inspired me.  When I heard that she wanted to work with me too, I knew I'd be working with a great researcher, but I had no idea that I would be working with the best mentor I could ask for. 

Susan's mentoring style is that of a "quiet supporter."  She never raises her voice or gets upset. Susan is patient and kind. She is not overbearing, she does not micro-manage, and she dealt with mistakes I made on an even keel. She is always happy when I accomplish something and gives me opportunities to expand my skills or gain experience whenever possible. We have a great working relationship that helped me flourish throughout my time in graduate school. 

Susan has always had my best interest at heart.  My assistantship my first semester consisted of reading articles so that I could become familiar with current cohabitation research.  My second semester, we started working on a paper together. She taught me everything about developing a project from start to finish. She taught me SAS and coding, modeling strategies and storytelling, and helped me improve my writing. Susan guided me through my thesis, she helped me prepare for prelims, and she advised me through my dissertation and first experience on the job market.  The thing is, words like "helped," and "taught," and "guided" are such understatements. Susan molded me into the sociologist, family demographer, professional, and scholar that I am now. I am still learning from her, and I probably always will be, because she is so great at what she does.  We have developed a professional relationship that I hope will continue throughout our careers.  I could never thank Susan enough for all she has done for me.  She truly is the best mentor I could ask for.