3 Reasons to be a Mentor

Author: Adelaide Columnas

“Be the person you needed when you were younger” — Ayesha Siddiqi

This quote inspires us to rise to the occasion and be that person. Whether it is through small random acts of kindness or simply being a better person than you were the day before — anyone can put these powerful words into action. One great way to do so is through mentoring.

Here is why:

It’s better together

No one wants to feel that they have to face the world and all its challenges on their own. A mentor can provide hope, solace, and guidance for a mentee that may be feeling lost. A mentor’s presence and empathetic listening can go a long way.

You can change the narrative

Mentorship is an opportunity to make an impact and change the narrative of another person’s development.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada (2013) found over a 5- year study that girls with a Big Sister were more likely to be more confident in themselves and their abilities to be successful in academics, than those without a Big Sister. Boys with a Big Brother were less likely to give into negative behaviors, such as bullying and fighting, and were more likely to express their emotions in a healthy way.

Promote good leadership

By becoming a mentor, you’re setting a precedent among your peers and for the future generations that “paying it forward” and unselfishly providing support to others is a vital part of being a strong leader.

You never know whose life you’re going to touch, but regardless you’ll be part of a snowball effect of kindness.

Sources:

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2013, January 15). Youth mentoring linked to many positive effects, new study shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/1301151443850.htm