"If I have seen far, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants"
These words, from Sir Isaac Newton, speak to the necessity in life of finding people to help you along your way, who will lift you up to your own potential. Many times these individuals come from the rank of family or friends, but more often we find people who will 'have our back', and help us succeed. We call these people mentors.
Assuming mentors are important in life, how would you go about finding one (or two, or three?) this is not easy. A mentor first and foremost must believe in you and be willing to use his or own social capital for your benefit. Obviously this means the mentor must be a volunteer.
How do you get someone to help you? How could you convince someone that you are worth their time and energy?
I believe that the connection a mentor and a student have is one of the most needed relationships in every person's life. When seeking a mentor to help you in any skill you first should really know you want it and it is truly your passion/goal. If you aren't sure of yourself then the person your seeking mentorship from will probably take you less serious as everyone can read confidence. I could see how it would be wise to always act respectful towards the possible mentor every time you cross paths with them and to try and make yourself stand out and appear unique to them. Plain and simple a student seeking a mentor should compensate their actions based on what the mentor in desires attitude is.
3 comments:
Charles, I agree that the connection between mentor and student is one of the most needed relationsips in a persons life, and that if the student is no fully invested the mentor may become disinterested. They are great points, I just disagree that the student should have an attitude that is desired by the mentor. The students attitude is part of their uniquness and i think the relationship not only changes the student but the mentor as well.
I agree on the importance of a mentor. However, although it helps to know what you want, I don't think it's completely necessary. I think a mentor can also help you find what it is you are looking for.
I completely agree. Mentors are very important in a students life. They have someone to help them and look up to. This can keep peoples life in check and help them achieve their goals in life.
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