My mentor said the sweetest thing today and I don't think they realize just how much it meant.

I'm in a research program and gave my first presentation in such capacity today. Afterwards my mentor and I were talking and they said something along the lines of:

"I get the feeling you may not have the most supportive family. But think of this, they are in one pond and the world you want to get into (and have every ability to belong in) is another. And my job is to bridge that gap for you."

And I damn near almost broke down crying then. I'm crying while I write this. Hearing them say that was so amazing and I just feel like I can finally acknowledge that I'm not alone and I can allow myself the help of others.

I do know this isn't the first time they or others have helped me of course. But hearing that was the verbal confirmation I needed and it's like this huge weight has been lifted that I never knew was there.