MaryAlice Demler

News Anchor, WGRZ-TV 2

Who Mentored You?
As an incoming Freshman at Niagara University, I was eligible for a Work-Study job on campus.  I remember the Financial Aid Officer looking over the list of available jobs and asking me if I had any office experience.  I had none.  My work experience prior to college consisted of scooping ice cream for two summers at a local dairy.  There was an opening in the university’s Office of Research and Planning but the Director had requested a “mature upperclassman” capable of making a contribution to the projects and reports the office prepared.  The FAO officer said, “Why don’t you go over and take the interview.  The Director will never hire you, she’s very picky, but it’ll be a good experience for you.”  I remember walking across campus to that interview, rehearsing what I would say, and determined to prove to this Administrator that I could handle the job.
 
While I sat in the outer office, gathering my thoughts and shaking in my shoes, out walked a diminutive woman, dressed in a professional suit and sporting a welcoming smile.  She shook my hand and said, “Hi there, I’m Dr. Irene Elia.  You must be Maryalice. Come on in!”
 
I followed her into the office and spent the next 25 minutes being peppered with questions about anything and everything.  “Why did I choose to be a political science major?  What is my family like?  What kind of student am I? What activities was I involved in at high school?  What is my career ambition?  And where did I see myself in ten years?  Whew!   I answered as best I could.  She explained that her office did important work on campus and that my 20 hours per week would be spent actually working—not doing my classwork like other work-study jobs allowed you to do.  She said the job required a full commitment but she also said I would learn a lot.  And she said she would expect me to do well academically, too.  All her workers were excellent students and high achievers.  She set the bar pretty high.  She paused and sized me up... and then said... “I don’t hire Freshman but I think I’m going to take a chance on you.  Would you like to work here?”  I could not say “yes!” fast enough.       

What did this person do that inspired, helped or encouraged you?
The office was busy—always lots of project work to do—and I cannot begin to tell you all the lessons I learned.  I soaked everything up like a sponge; office procedure and etiquette, writing, research, preparation and accountability.  Most importantly, I was able to watch Dr. Elia work.  She required a 100 percent commitment from everyone she worked with and expected excellence from everyone—herself included.  She led by example. She always expressed herself intelligently and eloquently. She never used foul or offensive language. She was strong but always compassionate and understanding when you had a problem or a concern.  She praised you well for accomplishments but was direct and tactful when discussing a failure.  She always kept her cool.
 
Her life was the living example of the woman I one day hoped to be.  She was smart and dedicated.  She was charitable and donated her time and talents to important community causes and served on many committees.  She was a devout Catholic who lived her faith.       
 
The two and a half years I worked for Dr. Elia were the most formative of my college career.   I benefitted from her guidance and example...and her generosity.  She encouraged me to declare a double major and to study hard.  She gave me invitations to attend Honor Society inductions and said I should aspire to be eligible for all of them.  She took time to explain things and seemed to have the patience of a saint.   She encouraged me to work hard and be better and do more than even I thought I was capable of.  In short, she believed in me.   
 
I think of Dr Elia often and I wonder where I would be today if she had not given me those great opportunities and challenged me to be a better woman.  I use the skills she taught me every day and have done so throughout my professional career.  Her legacy in my life is also the dedication to mentoring young people.   To this day, I extend myself formally and informally, to guide and encourage those setting out on their path to a professional career.  Whether it's working with an intern at Channel Two or inviting dozens of high school and college students to shadow me for a day.  I'm paying it forward with the hope that they'll do the same one day, knowing the time and effort they give toward others, can make a lasting impression and leave an indelible mark on the lives of those they touch.

What would you say if you could thank this person today?
Fortunately I’ve had the opportunity to tell Dr. Elia on a few occasions how much her friendship and guidance meant to me... and how I consider her one of the “Secrets to My Success”.   She’s always very gracious and reluctantly accepts credit.  Of course, I’d expect nothing less.

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