The transition from young adult to full-fledged grownup can be a struggle. Take a poll of some of the adults around you right now, and chances are many of them would say they wouldn’t do adolescence over again.
And while some of the obstacles young people face are pretty predictable and universal, like struggling to find your footing at school or trouble with a boyfriend or girlfriend, some kids face more challenges than others. And, of course, life events can take anyone completely by surprise.
All of these experiences can give great cause for a call to action. Some of the challenges and pressures that youth face today are extraordinary, and kids need all of the helpful nudging and guidance they can get. This is where mentors can play a huge role.
What does mentoring mean?
As a mentor you are taking an individual under your wing as a friend and someone worthy of trust. For children, trust is as good as money. You are a teacher, a confidant and at times a cricket on a shoulder.
Many people may look back and remember times in their childhood or adolescence when they felt alone, like they had no one to talk to, or that no one could possibly understand what they were going through. As a mentor, you get to break down those barriers by simply being a good part of a child’s life. You are not a parent, you are not there to pass judgment. You get to listen and give advice.
You get to help someone grow into themselves.
As a mentor you get to watch a child encounter those hard choices and rough patches and help them muddle through. You also get to join in the celebrations and victories. You get to help a child bait a hook for the first time, and when they accidentally let their first catch flop into the water, you get to laugh about it with them and show them that there are plenty of fish in the sea.
It is good for you!
There are few opportunities that offer the rewards that can be found when you get to see a child overcome a difficult obstacle. You are on the same team in the game of life and you are winning every day. It’s common for mentors to feel like they learn just as much or more from the kids they help than the other way around!
You have the opportunity to make a difference. It’s a noble decision to become a mentor. Good luck on your journey!