I nominate Prof. Richard Madsen to the Faculty Mentorship Award. I am a 2nd year Sociology Ph.D. Student. I graduated in 2001 from UCSD in Communication and in 2006, I entered into the UCSD Sociology program. I would've never applied if Prof. Madsen hadn't maintained a friendship with me after I graduated from UCSD as an undergrad and then encourage me to apply for a Phd 6 years later. As a first generation Chinese American and as the first female to graduate from college in the USA, I thought getting a BA was as far as I could and should go in higher education. I didn't know anyone with a Ph.D's. To me, a PhD sounded like it was out of reach for someone like me from a low-income and immigrant background. I thought PhD programs were for "smart" people and for economically well-off people. I also didn't know of any Asians in Social Science PhD programs - only Asians in Science programs, therefore I had it set in my mind that academia was not a place for someone like me. I also thought one had to have a Masters before entering a Phd program. I met Prof. Madsen when he taught one of my general requirement classes. After I graduated, we continued to stay in touch. When I was going through a transitional career period in my life, I shared my thoughts with Prof. Madsen. He encouraged to further my career goals to make social change in low-income communities by getting a Phd in Sociology. He gave the support and foundational knowledge to dispel many of the myths in my mind about Phd Programs. Ever since I entered the program, he has always been there for me whenever I needed academic support. He continues to inspire me with my research and also continues to be a great friend. He has been the most open-minded and warm-hearted advisor. It is an honor to nominate him for his ceaseless commitment to students.