Mentoring Success

One of my pet causes is Mentoring. I think it’s one of the most effective and efficient ways to change the world. Perhaps not everyone is motivated to change the world. But, I am. That’s one of my motivating forces. I want no less.

But, it’s a big goal so I have to choose smaller, more tangible things with more instant gratification - little wins – to keep me motivated. Mentoring is one of those things. Something achievable.

By investing one hour a week in a my assigned kid I can influence her world. That makes me feel powerful and effective.

For example, last year my protege was in four resource classes. This year, she passed her standardized tests and is now in only one resource class. That’s big tangible progress. Last year she said she loved to sing, and sing she can, but she didn’t want to take choir. This year she signed up for choir, cooking and dance.

I took Ambrea, Ainsley and Zack out for expensive deserts at a fancy restaurant to celebrate the start of the new school year. We talked about high academic expectations and I offered bribes for grades. Why not?

That’s success. That’s gratifying to me. That’s something tangible that I can take hold of which makes me feel effective. I have discovered that I like to feel effective. Action makes me feel empowered.

If you’re looking for a way to positively impact the world I highly recommend mentoring. Visit mentoring.org for a mentoring program in your area.