Katelyn Wilburn, Campus Carrier opinions editor
Success is rarely something achieved alone. Behind the person who accomplishes something grand, there is usually a person who guides them, offering encouragement and constructive criticism along the way. Mentorship is where a more experienced or knowledgeable person provides advice, support and knowledge to someone going through similar motions in life that they once did. Mentorship is essential because it assists in personal growth, expands opportunity, strengthens communities and prepares individuals for the lives ahead of them.
Mentorship is one of the best ways to provide guidance and support personal growth. Mentees are often individuals who are unsure about the next path to take in their journey, but with a little guidance, they can really accelerate within their field. Mentors can help them navigate challenges based on personal experiences, which in turn ensures that mentees can avoid some common mistakes that could throw them off course. This help can encourage confidence in the mentee’s mentality, helping them grow faster from their past successes and failures.
Think of a coach for a sports team. Sure, they are there to teach players drills and how to technically play the game, but they also are there to help the team develop leadership skills. Sometimes players will mess up, fail or even stop trying. But having a mentor as their coach gives them someone who doesn’t allow their downfalls to be the end of their journey. Coaches provide constructive criticism, train them to do better and celebrate with their team when they succeed.
Mentorship also expands our access to opportunities. Think of a student who has just begun their journey in college. They often have absolutely no idea what opportunities the school might offer, or they feel completely overwhelmed by the decisions that they could make. Mentorship through advising is an easy way for students to learn about opportunities that pertain to their career goals, choose the correct internship, study abroad or even find the best course for the next semester. Mentors often open doors that might remain closed if they weren’t present, and they help level the playing field for students who are first-generation or who simply don’t have existing connections. Access matters, and mentors are a great way to get into rooms you might not even know about.
Communities and support systems also strengthen when mentorship is involved. It creates relationships that are rooted in trust, support and investment in others’ futures. Any school, workplace or organization with strong mentorship is an efficient and inspiring location of growth that ensures that people will thrive in their community. Mentors often inspire their mentees to become mentors in the future, creating a ripple effect throughout their social groups.
Mentorship develops future leaders, as leadership is often learned through observation and clear guidance.
Mentors should model professionalism, ethics and clear decision making when leading their mentees. This consequentially shows the mentees some of the best qualities they can have, giving them the ability to confidently lead.
Mentorship can also be beneficial for the mentors. Though mentees learn a lot from mentors, both individuals gain something. Mentors can refine their personal leadership skills, deepen their perspective and fulfill their need to help others. Teaching others can deepen one’s own understanding of the topics at hand, giving them a stronger platform to stand on when guiding themselves through life. Being a mentor helps develop confidence and their amicableness.
Mentorship is such an influential part of the different journeys that everybody will take in life. They foster growth, opportunities, generate beautiful communities and cultivate leadership skills. Mentorship doesn’t just shape the movement and course of someone’s life but is also invents the communities that we want to be in the future.
Mentorship is a challenging but rewarding process. Throughout your time in college, you will have the privilege of having many different mentors that assist you in becoming into the individual you leave as. Be sure to acknowledge everything that they have done for you, which is as easy as saying ‘thank you’ or even writing a small card.