Mario Sengco is a physical scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where he has worked at the intersection of science and policy related to water quality standards for the past 13 years. Prior to government service, he worked as a researcher in the fields of marine biology, ecology, and biological oceanography. He has mentored many high school students and undergraduates on science fair projects in his lab throughout his career.
Mario was born and raised in the Philippines. He and his family moved to New Jersey in the 1980s. After attending college and graduate school in New York and Massachusetts, he made his way down to Maryland to work at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center before moving to the federal government. He has now been a resident of the District for 15 years. Mario started learning piano when he was 4 years old and music continues to be his main hobby. He performs with several choirs in the DMV and has performed in venues across the area including Wolf Trap, the National Cathedral, and the Kennedy Center.
Why did you become a mentor?
I became a mentor because I firmly believe that being present in the life of a young person at a critical point in life can make a huge difference in their future, especially in their academic journey. I know this for myself because I credit a handful of teachers, coaches, and influential adults that came at various points in my own life who guided me to where I am today. I hoped to be able to be that person for other young people.
How long have you been mentoring with Spark the Journey?
This academic year will mark the end of my second year.
What activities do you do with your mentee?
We meet regularly for coffee or a meal to talk about school, work, and life in general. We’ve also met at my workplace for a tour and to show him more about what I do.
What has been a highlight of your mentoring experience so far?
For me, the highlight of my experience so far has been arriving at a comfortable place where my mentee and I can just chat and talk openly. I appreciate the mutual trust we have placed in one another.
What is one of your mentee’s dreams?
One of his dreams is to find his calling – that next step in life that will challenge him, bring out his best, and thrust him into the path of an amazing future that I know is just around the corner.
How are you helping them achieve it?
I feel that my role as a mentor is to listen and understand, ask lots of questions to help my mentee think through his ideas, offer suggestions to meet interim goals and overcome potential obstacles, and encourage him when it all seems too daunting. I also think that offering up examples from my own life can be helpful to show how goals can be created and met, and challenges overcome.
How has Spark helped you in your mentoring relationship?
The regular check-in calls with my Spark case manager have been extremely valuable because they serve as a sounding board especially during the relationship building stage. The calls have also been good to discuss plans and get feedback. The various activities and support provided by Spark (college visits, tutoring, etc.) have also been great. Even though my mentee has chosen not to avail himself of these services, it’s good to know that these are available to him and I can always suggest them.
What advice would you give anyone considering mentoring?
My main advice is to be patient. The mentoring truly happens after a steady relationship has been established built on trust and good will. This takes time, consistency, persistence, positivity and honesty. Prepare to be open and vulnerable. The rewards can be really fulfilling and enriching for both in the end.
