Taken Under Their Wing: From Professor to Mentor – Essential to an Optimal Learning Experience

Written by David Maldonado, UF/IFAS Animal Sciences student.

When I transferred to the University of Florida and entered its esteemed Animal Science program, I quickly realized I carried a gap in my agricultural background compared to many of my peers. We have many resources to our advantage as we are the Gator Nation but one thing became clear: the professors in this department are deeply invested in the success of their students, doing everything in their power to help us thrive to chase our careers. This blog is my story—how reaching out to a professor transformed into a mentorship that shaped my learning, opened new doors, and gave me experiences I never thought possible. My hope is to inspire other students to step outside their comfort zones, connect with their professors, and embrace the opportunities and doors those relationships can unlock.

Day 1

I walked into the first day of Reproductive Endocrinology & Physiology Lab and met Professor Justin Callaham for the very first time. Of course, I had heard of him, but he didn’t know of me. That day began with icebreakers (his usual lighthearted way to start the semester) but soon he veered into one of his trademark tangents, diving into what was new and exciting in the world of science. My attention sharpened when he began discussing biotechnology and its modern applications in reproduction. Suddenly, a field I had never considered as “for me” felt real, tangible, and within reach. After class, I debated whether to approach him. I felt intimidated but that moment became a turning point. I pushed myself to step outside my comfort zone and started a conversation. To my surprise, Professor Callaham immediately eased the tension, engaging me in a discussion about niche fields and shared interests. That first chat was more than small talk. It was the beginning of a mentorship that would profoundly shape my studies and hands-on experiences in large animal science.

The Role of a Mentee

Being a mentee isn’t passive—it’s an investment. I had to put in the work, proving I was serious about mastering class material by staying engaged and asking questions. To strengthen the bond with my professor, I learned three things

Be active. Show up, contribute, and participate fully.
Be curious. Let your questions drive your growth
Be bold. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Mistakes, in fact, became part of the process. What mattered most was the drive to learn from them and improve.

How It Worked Out

One day, while working a shift at the Horse Teaching Unit, Professor Justin Callaham approached me and asked if I could halter a mare and bring her over to the “Repro Barn.” Naturally, I asked what he was working on. He explained that he was palpating and reproductively managing the mares. Because of the relationship we had already built, I felt comfortable sharing that I had recently earned my AI (artificial insemination) certification but hadn’t had the chance to practice. That opened the door. He offered to mentor me through applying those skills with horses—an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t first reached out in the lab.

Lessons and Experiences

Working alongside Professor Callaham gave me experiences I never could have imagined: – Weekly management of the unit’s mares, seeing firsthand how lab and lecture material directly connects to daily practice. Applying concepts in real-world tasks accelerated my learning and deepened my confidence. – The following semester, he invited me to serve as his Teaching Assistant. This not only gave me leadership experience but also let me explore another passion: teaching and guiding students to succeed, just as he had guided me.

Reflection & Take away

Looking back, I realize how pivotal that first day really was. What began as hesitation turned into mentorship, responsibility, and growth. Professor Callaham didn’t just teach me about reproduction physiology—he showed me how mentorship can change the way we learn, think, and envision our future. For any student wondering if they should reach out to a professor, here’s my advice: Do it. Step outside your comfort zone. You never know when that one conversation might open a door you never expected.

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.