Reflection on Mentorship

Mentoring can occur in various forms, but the one I subscribe to the most the cultivation of a seed to grow into a tree. Not everyone realizes they have the potential they have, and at times all they need is the right soil in order for this small seed inside of them to grow. The person I selected for this blog is a professor who I had the pleasure of being their research assistant with for over three years in College.

            He personally asked me to be his assistant based on my academic performance. Initially, I told him no due to my busy schedule with Track and Field, ROTC, and my relationship status in College. I was involved with two other organization on top of these commitments, and I felt my plate was full. I did not want to agree to extra commitments and turn in sub-standard work due to not being able to balance my schedule.

            He insisted he would be patient, and we agreed on a flexible schedule. What I did not foresee was the impact this agreement would have on my life as a young man, and in the future as I progressed through life developing my own life pillars to live by. The strangest things about this mentorship was the items were no ever related to the job he had me doing as a research assistant. We discussed material about the future, and he gave his wisdom to encourage thought on my end.

Wisdom

            He invested the time to educate me on the importance of professional email etiquette. How to take time developing the subject line to offer a preview, how to craft the email to get the point, how to follow-up on tasks via email, and knowing when to CC important parties to help push the project when difficulties arise.

We spoke about the importance of being a life-long learner and using audiobooks to sharpen your craft. He showed me his personal library, and how important the aspect of reading is in the development of the mind, and being able to articulate clearly with the correct terms. Word do matter.

We discussed matters related to finances, and his current situation for directing his

daughter to apply to coursework at the institution due to family members receiving financial benefits. This translated into a long session about books recommended for financial literacy, that would be incredibly valuable in just a few years as I entered the job market. I used these principles to enable me to close on a home by 27 due to planting a seed about wanting to buy a home based on our discussions.

            We spoke about marriage, and the importance for being a role model to others. How we have to take this commitment seriously, and to invest in others so they can strive as well.

            Overall he devoted a lot of his personal time into my space the correct way. My parents were happy for my decision to attend the school even more as they realized what was occurring in life, and I kept him in the loop so far with major accomplishments I have had over the years. I think as a mentee we have to know when to say thanks as well. His mentorship over those three years sharpened my focus, and zest for wanting to be successful early on in a variety of aspects to my life.

            Mentoring Others

            My immediate Family asked that I step up in mentoring my younger cousins and helping them. I crafted a few documents and encouraged them the best that I can. In College I became a voracious reader, and I did not know how to officially help them. I just sent them the books in College that helped me see my potential.

What I find is that some cousins naturally gravitate towards my style of giving them homework, and others do not. I enjoy the challenge of finding ways to assist. Recently I asked other friends to help. Through a small group of five friends we communicate with my family, and they help encourage good behavior to my cousins. Although what I am doing is not formal, I think this is beneficial to them, and to the mentors. If we can mentor youth today this benefit’s us in crafting the ability to teach our own future kids when that moment occurs.

I will share one example of a proud moment. I called my younger cousin who was 13 at the time. He loved basketball and aspires to be in the NBA. I asked him if he was motivated intrinsically or extrinsically by the NBA. He had a homework assignment to inform us what the different types of motivation was. He did an okay job of defining the two, but I encouraged him to find an intrinsic motivation for the love of Basketball, and to not be solely externally driven. Now when people ask him why he enjoys Basketball, he gives a college educated response about his passion and love the game.

Conclusion

            Mentoring is needed in our global society. This is not an option if we want to climb up any corporate ladder or achieve a goal. If you think you can do a large accomplishment on your own, then your goal is not big enough. We need to have goals, and visions large enough to require a form of mentorship to obtain those goals.