Why I Am a Mentor?

Why?

It's in my blood.

In my early days of teaching, I invented a formula for kids to apply to building their vocabulary.

Thousands of kids have used this formula to expand their horizons and many have joined me in mentoring others.

Many of my followers know the history of how mentor came into our rich language.

In Greek mythology, Mentor was the son of Alcumus and, in his old age, a friend of Odysseus. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War he placed Mentor in charge of his son, Telemachus, and of his palace. When Athena visited Telemachus she took the disguise of Mentor to hide herself from the suitors of Telemachus' mother Penelope As Mentor, the goddess encourages Telemachus to stand up against the suitors and go abroad to find out what happened to his father.

The first recorded modern usage of the term can be traced to a book (published in 1699) entitled "Les Aventures de Telemaque", by the French writer François Fénelon In the book the lead character is that of Mentor.

This is the source of the modern use of the word mentor: a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have "mentoring programs" in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students, or students having difficulties.

And now I mentor others.

Not only to become better students and change their lives, but mentor others to become mentors.

So what about you?

Let me introduce you to Navetta, one of my new mentors.

Navetta in her own words why she is a mentor.

Being a mentor allows me to serve and to be rewarded as well. Not, by the person who I have mentored but, by the personal development that I receive while serving them. Mentoring is a powerful opportunity to serve others. You can have become more compassionate, dedicated, committed, punctual and accountable for your actions. Once you become of service to others you commit your time and share your knowledge to help them become successful in life

I am most fortunate to have great people like Navetta mentoring alongside me.

How about you?