Describe a person who has positively impacted your life.
Imagine a pebble gently tossed into a still pond. The ripples emanating outwards, expanding and touching everything in their path, represent the powerful and lasting impact a mentor can have on a young person’s life.
Can you remember or identify that one key person in your life who made a huge difference when you were young? It might have been an adult who encouraged instead of rebuked, an older friend who saw you for who you truly were, or perhaps a teacher who praised instead of criticised and who was truly willing to hear your voice.
I have several people in my life who can fit this description, but these people did not offer this support in a formal capacity. It happened by chance, and it is only in retrospect that I would view these relationships as having the qualities of a mentee/mentor dynamic. It is through recognizing these positive impacts on my life that I have come to value the importance of offering mentoring to young people. This is one of the guiding principles (that every voice should be heard equally) behind Hedgehog Finds Her Voice
This is also why my character, Erik, has such a strong support network made up of friends, family, and trusted adults. He doesn’t necessarily realise what his strengths are and who he can trust, but the foundation is there. He needs help along the way to fully flourish and eventually save the world (but I don’t want to spoil the book, nor go off on too much of a dragon tangent, although who doesn’t love a dragon tangent?).
Mentorship is more than just advice or guidance; it’s a supportive and trusting relationship that empowers young people to navigate life’s complexities and reach their full potential.
Let’s go back to that pebble from the start of this post and ask ourselves, how exactly do mentors create such a positive ripple effect?
1. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:
A good mentor believes in their mentee’s capabilities and fosters a sense of self-worth by celebrating their achievements, big or small. This positive reinforcement helps young people develop confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their future possibilities. It’s all about hope. Everyone has the right to hope for a better future and to be given permission to be able to imagine one!
2. Providing a Safe Space for Exploration:
Life can be confusing and challenging for young people. Mentors offer a safe space where mentees can freely express themselves, ask questions, and explore their thoughts and aspirations without fear of judgment. This open and supportive environment is crucial for personal growth and self-discovery. Young people often lack the space to have open conversations with an adult, where they can have transparent dialogue without fear of judgment, mentoring offers this chance.
3. Shaping Positive Role Models:
Through their words and actions, mentors serve as positive role models for young people. They showcase valuable life skills like communication, problem-solving, and perseverance. Witnessing these positive behaviors firsthand paves the way for mentees to develop their own character and moral compass. This modeling includes showing that sometimes, even as adults (maybe especially as adults), we get things wrong too, and we find things hard.
4. Expanding Horizons and Opportunities:
Mentors can connect young people with new experiences, resources, and networks. They might introduce them to career paths they hadn’t considered, encourage participation in extracurricular activities, or even help them navigate further education options. These connections and opportunities can open doors and broaden perspectives for mentees. It is all about one of my favorite words, flourish. How can we, at every opportunity, help someone access the skills and opportunities they need to live fully as their best selves?
5. Fostering Resilience:
Life is full of challenges, and mentors can equip young people with the tools to navigate them. They teach them valuable coping mechanisms, encourage perseverance through difficult times, and help them develop resilience to overcome future obstacles.
So, who are your mentors?
Give them a shout-out in the comments below. Maybe you’ve not thought about this before, but a name sprang into your mind while reading this. Why not reach out to them today to let them know how much of a positive impact they made on your life?
Again, let me know about this experience in the comments. I’d love to hear about your mentoring experiences.
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The World Outside the Window 
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