The Power of a First Step: Kianna’s Story of How Mentorship Opened Unexpected Doors

At lumentor, we believe mentorship can change everything. It helps people move from uncertainty to direction, from self-doubt to confidence. Kianna’s journey shows exactly how powerful taking that first step can be.

"Graduating from OCAD during COVID, I expected to be ready for the world. But I felt stuck: the world was shut down, opportunities seemed out of reach, and I was unsure how to connect. The initial excitement of finishing my degree quickly turned to anxiety and self-doubt.

While classmates moved forward, I worried I’d already fallen behind. I wasn’t afraid of hard work, but reaching out felt risky. What if I said the wrong thing or wasn’t talented enough?

After years of searching for belonging in the creative industry, I finally connected with a mentor. That single step opened the door I’d been waiting for. My mentor’s advice to apply to Humber’s Art Direction program gave me the clarity and direction I desperately needed.

The turning point came when I realized staying quiet was holding me back more than rejection ever could. So I took action. I asked the first question. And slowly, I discovered that people actually wanted to help. Mentors weren’t there to judge me; they were there to guide me.

Every conversation chipped away at the fear. I learned that networking isn’t about being buttoned-up or rehearsed. It’s about being open, curious, and willing to grow. Mentorship gave me the clarity I was missing, the confidence I didn’t know I could build, and the motivation to keep moving forward.

Looking back, I see now that graduating during such an uncertain time gave me resilience. It taught me that careers are not built overnight. They are built through connections, courage, and the willingness to take that first uncomfortable step.

If you’re reading this and feel the same fear I once did, here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to do this alone. The right mentor can change everything. Don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because the truth is, no one ever feels completely ready. Start now. Send that message. Ask that question. Every small step will make the next one easier, and before you know it, you’ll begin to see your confidence grow.

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the one that can change your future. And you don’t have to take it blindly.

Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about guidance, encouragement, and opening doors you never knew were there. lumentor connects you with people who have walked the path before you and can help you take the next step with confidence. Don’t wait. Send the message. Ask the question. Start the conversation. With the right guidance, you’ll not only discover where you fit in, you’ll also see how far you can grow.

That’s why lumentor exists: to make mentorship accessible, approachable, and within reach. It’s the kind of support I needed to figure out where I belonged and how to move forward in my career — because no one should have to navigate that uncertainty alone.”

- Kianna Navard, Art Director