Today's Topic: Learning to be a Mentor
Growing up as the oldest sister, I became a mentor for my two younger siblings, especially my younger sister. I was the one she turned to for advice about school, friends, and so much more. I realized the importance of having a mentor like this, as mentors have already experienced what you are going through, so they know the best ways to handle it. I am going to give you a few of the best tips that I have learned as a mentor.
Firstly, you want to find a specific audience to mentor. I usually aim to help middle school girls because I know that there are so many things that I wish I had been told at that age, so doing something to help them is genuinely fulfilling. Finding your audience allows you to focus on what advice or experiences you can share for someone that age that they would find beneficial, as each time period in our lives brings new opportunities and new struggles. For example, I focus on transitioning to high school, getting involved in a community, and growing as a person, as those are all important parts of your early teenage years.
Secondly, do not give your mentees demanding orders but instead use suggestions based on your experiences that will guide them toward success. Everyone's path is different, so your job is to help them explore the opportunities they have been presented with using the knowledge you already have. They may choose to take your advice and spin it to fit their individual situation, and that is totally okay. In fact, that is the goal of mentorship. Be open to being flexible, and you will create an even greater positive impact on those you are mentoring.
Thirdly, understand that being a mentee is just as important as being a mentor. To be a great mentor, you should turn to mentors who are older and have experienced even more than you have. You can use their advice to thrive and then pass that advice on to your own mentees, creating a true legacy. This is a legacy of success and empowerment as you guide one another to be their very best selves.
There is no formula for being the perfect mentor. All you can do is help your mentees in every way you can because mentorship comes in all different forms. Each form is as impactful as the next, so you choose how you want to lead. A legacy starts small, but soon you will start seeing how much your network has grown and how many people you have positively influenced, all because of your mentorship.
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