"Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I might remember.
Involve me and I will understand."
-- Chinese Proverb
PURPOSE
- To show mentee that there is a world of options open to them;
- To instill feelings of pride in your mentee;
- To offer mentee support in his/her endeavors;
- To act as a guide;
Miracle of Mentoring
You don't have to do anything magical. By encouraging and believing in them, being there for them, motivating them, and helping them define success for themselves your mentee will dream great dreams and therefore become great.
Understand...
~ There will be challenges.
~ You will make mistakes.
~ Once the trust is there you will be able to get deeper.
~ Your mentee may discuss things with you that he/she would be uncomfortable saying in a group: this is when you become a role model.
~ It is a real gift to be invited to play the role of mentor/role model for a child.
~ You do not need special skills to mentor, but you will need motivation, empathy, commitment and flexibility to enter a child's world and establish yourself as a mentor.
~ A mentor is a trusted guide, advisor, and cherished role model.
~ You should mentor only if your heart is in it, and your motivation is the desire to make a difference in a child's life.
