Every great journey starts with a meaningful connection. At Avon Old Farms, we believe that the path from potential to achievement is best traveled with guidance, and our annual Mentorship Program is designed to offer exactly that. In just 12 weeks, mentors and mentees embark on a dynamic journey together, forming connections that bridge generations and spark transformation. 

This program is a structured, intentional experience designed to guide, support, and challenge participants to grow personally and professionally. From the very start of Avon’s Mentorship Program, mentors and mentees are equipped with resources to lay a solid foundation for success. Both are guided through clear onboarding steps and supported by a comprehensive guidebook, instructional videos, and access to the AOF Alumni Network’s scheduling and video chat tools. Our platform provides resources specific to both the mentor and the mentee, guiding them through six planned meeting agendas.

While the latest program just began, we did catch up with a pair who completed the program in 2025: Mentor Taylor Hahn and mentee Deron Koppel. Here’s what they had to say:

Mentor Taylor Hahn ’13

Taylor says he was interested in becoming a mentee in part because of how hard it was for him to get his foot in the door as a young college student. “It’s incredibly competitive and basically a requirement to build a network of people that can help you. I spent a lot of time reaching out to alumni networks and other connections outside of college for help.” 

When Taylor was paired with Deron, it was apparent that his mentee was already on a strong path, putting himself out there. Deron had received an internship offer for the summer, and Taylor could see that it would be a good opportunity, based on Deron’s goals. “It was early enough in our relationship that I know getting that offer was entirely due to his success. But then he asked for advice about what to do regarding another internship that he was interviewing for, which is where my experience kicked in. I enjoyed helping guide him through a thought process of how to approach that situation the right way.”

Taylor explained that so much of what he’s learned through the beginning of his career can be incredibly valuable to someone who is currently in the same boat as he was in at one point. “Interestingly, the full-time job/internship search taught me more about life generally and what to do when nothing is going according to plan in the real world.” There will be plenty more internship and job opportunities in the future for Deron, and having a dedicated mentor in his corner can be a tool to get ahead. 

With regular check-ins even after the formal program was over, Taylor explains that reconnecting with a younger generation of Avonians has been pretty meaningful. They check in with each other every few weeks or so, mostly over the phone but they’ve connected in person over dinner.

“In the end, it’s not about what you want for them… ensuring they have the tools and insight needed to control their own destiny should be your goal.”

Mentee Deron Koppel ’24

Deron signed up for Avon’s mentorship program because of the networking opportunities it presented. “I knew that Avon’s alumni are well-connected, and that whomever I was paired with would provide valuable insights and opportunities for me in the future.” 

While Deron and his mentor Taylor shared career interests, what made their connection easy went back to Avon: sports! Deron shared that it made their initial conversations easy, knowing they had some main interests in common. “The thing that has surprised me the most about the mentor relationship was the ability to have it be more personal and social, rather than just professional, where he has become more like a friend.”

“One piece of advice that Taylor gave me was on how important it is to be prepared and be personable with others in the industry to make them want to help you,” noting that he was impressed by how supportive Taylor was of young alumni like himself and lending a hand wherever possible. “Taylor has been extremely helpful in telling me what to do as well as how to prepare for interviews. and the various areas I need to practice, e.g., technical/behavioural questions.”

The Brotherhood that Deron and Taylor are both a part of is built on those shared experiences. The Mentorship Program is proof that even after Avonians graduate, they still have a support system of men who understand their background. The same way Winged Beavers strive to win together on the playing fields and study alongside each other to ace tests in the classroom, Men of Avon care about the success of their brothers in whatever career they choose. 

Deron says he’d consider being a mentor himself in the future, to continue the tradition of helping those who came after you.

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