Understanding Mentoring

Webster’s dictionary defines a mentor as “a wise, loyal advisor; a teacher or coach.” Basically, a mentor is someone who:

• helps you to figure out what you want in life,
• provides guidance and help when you need it,
• cheers you on as you reach for your highest goals,
• is there for you when things aren’t so good, and
• can help you because of their own life experiences.

A mentor can be a person that volunteers through an organization or someone you know informally that has just naturally mentored you along the way. A mentor can be involved in all aspects of your life or focused on one area like helping you develop career goals or being a role model for youth leadership activities.

Mentors should be dependable, patient, flexible, motivational, good listeners, sensitive, humorous, trustworthy, and appreciative of different points of view. When you think of a mentor, think of a partnership with someone who supports you, cares about you, and helps you develop your dreams to reach your full potential.