Every great journey starts with a meaningful connection. At Avon Old Farms, the annual Mentorship Program connects alumni and students for a 12-week experience designed to provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement. Mentors and mentees follow a structured series of conversations supported by a guidebook, instructional videos, and the AOF Alumni Network’s scheduling and video tools. We caught up with a pair who completed the program in 2025, mentee Shin Tozawa ’23 and mentor Drew Graham ’85, P’28, to see the program through their eyes.

As a second-year university student at George Washington University, Shin found himself with the freedom to explore different academic and career paths—but also uncertainty about which direction to take. That freedom, while exciting, also made it clear that he needed some structure and guidance. That uncertainty led Shin to apply for the mentorship program.

“I believed that having a mentor could help ground my exploration and provide insight into what life after university might look like. Joining the mentorship program felt like a valuable first step towards building that foundation.” Shin was paired with Dean Graham, an assistant attorney general for the state of Connecticut.

“He was very approachable and down-to-earth. Despite his impressive role, our conversations were casual and easy-going, which made it much easier for me to open up and ask questions. Whether through texts or chats, he was always responsive and supportive, creating a space where I felt heard and encouraged,” shares Shin.

While Shin valued the chance to ask questions about careers and life after college, Drew signed up for the program with a similar goal in mind: helping young Avonians navigate uncertainty. “I think every student could use a mentor. You never know what experiences or advice might be of value to a student,” Drew comments. 

That certainly resonated with Shin, who says one piece of advice really stuck with him: reaching out and asking questions. “Drew emphasised that initiating conversations, even just to learn more about someone’s work, can open doors and provide clarity. He helped me realise that many professionals are more than willing to support students who show genuine curiosity, and that taking the first step to connect is often the most valuable.”

In fact, Shin’s experience with the mentorship program became an example of that very advice. Shin says he was surprised how strong of a bond the program was able to create between him and his mentor, but is incredibly grateful for it. The two even met in person at George Washington University, where Shin is currently enrolled. Both agreed they plan to stay in touch well beyond the program.

Shin says Drew encouraged him to embrace the Avon mindset of exploring opportunities. “Drew always said that during university, it can be difficult to navigate what you truly want to do, but it is also the perfect time to explore everything. He encouraged me to try out new things because that is the only way to truly discover what I want in life. This advice about exploring different opportunities has helped shape my time at university. Also, knowing that we started at the same high school helped me visualise what my own life could look like in the future.”

For Drew, the program offered more than the satisfaction of helping a younger Avon brother. The experience encouraged him to reconnect with the school in new ways—mentoring through the AIP program, learning more about the international student experience, and strengthening his connection to the next generation of Avonians.

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