The Magnificence of Mentoring
You can help others by helping them become better versions of themselves.
As an educator, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people. I help people by giving them opportunities for the best education possible that in turn open up more possibilities and opportunities for everyone who has ever stepped foot in my classroom. Over the years I’ve had countless students enter and leave my classroom with the hope that they leave better people than when they first came in. I want them to leave not just with more knowledge, but more skills, maturity, and passion for life. I want them to be innovative problem solvers for the challenges of tomorrow.
Teaching is one way I help people and I’ve often pondered what are the best possible methods to do so, and it’s an ever-evolving journey.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t help everyone. It’s hard because I want to help everyone, but not everyone wants to be helped. I can give all the advice I have, but if a person is unwilling to accept it, then it’s pointless. They’re comfortable in their rut. If I get them out of their rut, it’s usually a temporary fix. Eventually, they find themselves back in. When people learn to rise and bring themselves out of their rut, they also learn the knowledge and skills to keep themselves out.
For example, a great way to help someone in debt is not just giving them money, but also sharing with them the knowledge and practices of what it takes to get out of debt and stay out of debt.
One of my favorite methods of helping people is mentoring. Of all the things I’ve tried, it holds the most promise. I truly believe deep in my heart, at this moment in time, that this is the best way to help people.
Mentoring is giving yourself to mold and condition others to be like the best of who you are. You are giving people the benefit of your experience and the skills you’ve gained over the years. You’re sharing your life lessons (aka wisdom from your “mistakes”) for someone else’s benefit. Mentoring helps others help themselves.
Mentoring pushes personal development of both the mentor and the apprentice. The mentor is pushed to be the best self possible in order to be the best mentor possible. In turn, it gives the best mentorship experience to the apprentice.
Mentoring is also a long term strategy. It’s not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing relationship. The frequency of interaction may vary depending on what’s needed. It can be once a week, month, quarter, or a year. It’s all up to you and what you think is necessary.
As an educator, I mentor my students. As a parent, I mentor my kids. Anyone can be a mentor, especially you.
