Mentors

One day after school I heard the secretary announce over the intercom that I had a phone call.

When I picked up the phone the male voice said, “Hello, Mrs. Young, this is Adam. Fourteen years ago I was your student. You probably don’t realize how influential you have been to me in my life. If it wasn’t for the extra help that you gave me when I was in fifth grade, I don’t think that I would be the person I am today. Now I work as a television production manager in Los Angeles. I’m truly grateful.”

It was a moment that I’ll never forget. After we finished talking I walked back to my classroom and looked at the copy of a law school diploma and a letter that were posted on a small bulletin board above my desk.

“I was your student two decades ago and I’m writing to thank you for helping and ultimately allowing me to cope with my learning disability. You boosted my confidence and instilled in me skills that I use today. I don’t believe that I could have achieved my law degree without your early aid.”

There was also a thank you card from the parent of a former sixth grade student.

“You taught our daughter that kids with learning disabilities do not need to be ashamed of their weaknesses. My daughter now holds her head up high, works hard to overcome her weaknesses, and looks forward to tackling the next obstacle life brings.”

Teachers across the country have saved similar messages thanking them for making a difference in the lives of their students. A mentor can also be a parent, grandparent, neighbor, sibling, counselor, friend, coworker, or coach. The encouragement of a mentor improves a person’s self-esteem. A mentor motivates someone to persevere and never give up. A mentor can also provide a safe and nurturing environment for someone.

Authors who had self-published their own books told me about one of their mentors.

  • Corey said that his college instructor held him to a high level of accountability. Graham accepted nothing less than brilliance from him and Corey still carries that goal through his life.
  • Angie said that Ira saved her from drug addiction at the age of 17.
  • Barbara chose her father since he was always on her side no matter what happened. He made her feel loved and appreciated.
  • Devin was 4 years old when he had a babysitter named Lela who made him believe that he could be somebody some day.
  • Jackie said that Clark motivated her to believe that she could achieve anything. His advice helped her start her own business and led her to publish two books.
  • John said that when he was a teenager his older brother’s friend cultivated his natural curiosity. George encouraged him to be creative and invent new ways to do things.
  • David said that his college professor made him face his fear of failure and challenged him to be daring. Even now Thomas still shares in decision-making moments with him.
  • Bob’s father died when he was nine. His older brother, Fred, did whatever he could do to support their hard working mother and provide for the family.

Here are two of my favorite quotes about being a mentor.

“Every child deserves a champion—-an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Rita Pierson

“Success isn’t about what you accomplish in life. It’s about what you inspire others to do.” Unknown

Kathy Young
“The Mentor”


Comments

Mentors — 7 Comments

  1. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

    • Most community colleges have Adult Education programs. They provide classes to help you improve your academic skills. The community colleges also have Counseling/Advising programs. They also have work programs which can help you earn certificates in various fields. Local libraries have literacy programs. You can also type in “Adult Literacy Programs” in Google and you will get a list.

  2. Students with learning disabilities who are in the Adult Education programs at community colleges are able to get testing accommodations. At my college we also offer free tutoring.

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