Mentorship Turned Mutual

By Michael Earls with the Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub 

When envisioning a mentoring relationship, you may picture a wise teacher imparting knowledge to an eager student—a one-way dynamic of education and growth. But at Northeastern’s Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) Division, mentorship looks like a two-way street, exemplified by the mutually enriching partnership between zone manager Cashbee Calderon and academic building superintendent Abel Morales. 

Calderon and Morales broke the typical mentorship mold in all the best ways, starting when Morales approached Calderon, who was not originally part of the mentorship program, asking for his guidance.  

“I sought him out and asked if he’d be willing to take time out of his busy schedule to be my mentor,” Abel said. “He didn’t hesitate for a moment.” 

The conversations they held left a lasting impact on Morales, who was struck by Calderon’s motivational drive. As the mentoring began, Calderon realized Morales, too, was teeming with ambition. This sparked the beginning of a friendship where reciprocal inspiration took center stage.  

Morales was particularly drawn to Calderon’s steady rise at Northeastern: after working as an outside contractor for 16 years, Calderon transitioned to a permanent role at the university and continued to climb, now holding the position of Zone Manager in PREF. For Morales, Calderon’s story was more than just a career path—it was a blueprint for resilience. 

“To see someone go through those steps and make it to where they are now… I don’t know what else can motivate you more than that,” Morales said. “It’s one thing to hear success stories, but when you see it in front of you, it’s different. It’s real.” 

For Calderon, mentoring Morales has been equally transformative. In Morales, Calderon sees someone following a similar path to himself—Morales worked as an outside contractor, like Calderon, for 10 years before joining Northeastern’s Building Services in 2015. This shared experience laid the groundwork for a partnership built on mutual understanding.  

“I feel like I was a mentee as well,” he shared. “Abel’s drive reminded me of why I started in the first place—it pushed me to keep reaching higher.” 

While Calderon and Morales managed packed schedules, they made their mentorship work through weekly check-ins, texts, and occasional in-person meetings. “We met about four times in person,” Calderon shared, “but we kept in touch regularly through calls and texts, just checking in on each other.” This flexible approach allowed them to stay connected and engaged, with conversations that spanned from professional goals to personal reflections on life and fatherhood, building a friendship on top of a mentorship. 

Their story demonstrates that mentorship at PREF extends far beyond career guidance—it builds connections that enrich both lives.  

“We opened up to each other,” Morales reflected. “It wasn’t always about work—it was about life, what keeps us going, and what we’re trying to build.” 

Written by Michael Earls, December 6th, 2024

Photos by Alex Gritsinin