By Britt Yenser
As HETMA embarks on the #Roadto10K, this journey is about more than just growing our numbers—it’s about supporting the personal and professional growth of each member. Every month, we’ll explore a new theme centered on reflection, growth, mental health, and confidence. If the themes ever feel overwhelming, this column will offer them in small, approachable steps to help you engage at your own pace.
August’s theme is Merging Lanes: Connect to Grow — Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Emphasize the power of community, peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and showing up for others. Build your peer network.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Whether you’re aiming to level up in your career, expand your skills, or see the world from a new perspective, connection is the fuel that powers the journey. Like merging lanes on a busy highway, joining a community is about finding your rhythm with others—matching pace, signaling your intent, and moving forward together.
Communities—whether professional networks, volunteer groups, or online spaces—are where ideas are exchanged, support is shared, and opportunities blossom. They’re also where peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and collaboration thrive. The magic happens when we stop driving solo and step into the carpool lane.
But if you’ve been cruising the backroads on your own for a while, how do you confidently merge onto the bustling community superhighway?
Start by knowing what you’re looking for. Are you seeking knowledge? Support? Accountability? Friendship? Understanding your “why” will help you find the right lanes to merge into.
Next, know what you bring to the table. It might be technical skills, fresh ideas, problem-solving abilities, or simply a willingness to lend a hand. Communities flourish when members contribute in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
Then, just show up. Attend the meeting. Introduce yourself in the group chat. Volunteer for a small task. The sooner you engage, the sooner you become part of the flow.
Above all, be your authentic self. People connect more deeply with genuineness than with a polished façade. Let others see your curiosity, your enthusiasm, and even your learning curves.
Once you’ve found your lane in a community, one of the most rewarding ways to keep moving forward is through mentorship—either by finding someone to guide you or by offering to guide someone else.
Finding a mentor often starts the same way as finding a friend—you connect through shared interests, goals, or values. Don’t fear rejection; sometimes the first “lane” you try isn’t the right one, and that’s okay. Seek progress, not perfection. Look for people whose work inspires you and whose experience can light the way ahead. Approach with honesty about what you hope to learn. And remember, mentorship doesn’t have a set timeline—you might exit after a single meeting, forge a lifelong friendship, or land somewhere in between. What matters most is that the relationship remains mutually beneficial.
If you’ve already traveled a certain stretch of the road, you can help someone else merge in and navigate it with confidence. Being a mentor doesn’t mean having all the answers—it’s about listening, sharing your perspective, and offering encouragement when the traffic gets heavy. Be honest about what you can give, and realistic about your time and energy. As both a mentor and a community member, follow through on your commitments. Consistency builds trust, strengthens connections, and inspires others to follow your lead.
When you invest in a community, the rewards go far beyond professional gains. You build trust, forge friendships, and create a network that can be both a safety net and a launchpad. You learn from others’ experiences while offering your own in return. And you find that the journey feels richer, smoother, and far more rewarding when you’re not traveling alone.
So merge into the lane. Signal your intent. Show up, be genuine, and keep moving forward—together.
If you’re feeling inspired, jump into the HETMA App to engage with posts, start your own conversation, or even reach out directly to someone you’d like to connect with for mentorship. You can also find us on social media at @HETMA_org—don’t forget to use #RoadTo10K to easily merge into the conversation!
