Let’s all mark our calendar. I bet that we should all celebrate International Mentoring Day, so when is it? Just so you know it is on January 17. Well, it’s over, but we can still celebrate it on the following year worldwide. I was actually surprised that there is such a celebration like this. International Mentoring Day, why not?
Credited to: https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/national-mentoring-day-%E2%80%93-your-chance-get-involved
I believe that in one way or another we all have benefited from someone’s mentorship. But first, what is mentoring? You can just access your dictionary or ask our on the rescued friend, google. Personally, as I reflected on the definitions, I have read, it is building trust and commitment founded in love. I am not pertaining to a life partner, but then it is sort of like that, for you to walk a person towards his/her aspirations and goals, believe me, it takes a lot of you as a mentor. And it will never ever come to pass unless you make time (schedule), you make an effort (brain and energy), you listen without judgmental thought (understanding) and a lot more. Too many to mention. Now, tell me why we shouldn't celebrate International Mentoring Day. ^^
From a very young age, I can truly say that I have been so blessed to have a mentor. I can still remember the time when I was staring at letters and numbers on a piece of paper. I was actually, pretending that I knew how to read, uttering words that I have heard from cartoon network. Pretension didn’t last, I needed to face the truth that I needed help. I needed a hand so badly. Mom, to the rescue! My mom was then my personal tutor. She has seen me from no read, no write state, and now here I am as a teacher. Let’s face it, my mentorship with my personal tutor, who is, of course, my mom was not a smooth road. It was a tough process, but since she committed to it, she chose to continue the journey until the goal is achieved.
Her time was the most precious one. She invested a lot in me. Who would do such thing unpaid? Her patience, one step at a time. It was a long process with many spices along the way. That’s mentoring. It is not like eating your favorite ice cream. Don’t you agree? Who among you would tell me that unconditional love, trust, and commitment are easy? Well, No one.
I am convinced that from my experience with my mom’s mentoring. Everyone needs to be a mentee at the same time be a mentor. Believe me or not. We are never ever strong enough to face life solo. We are never ever intelligent enough to work out things on our own. Why did I say that? It is because if we can on our own then why do we live in a community like this? And why you here, and why am I here? The gigantic reason is that we are all created to learn from each other. It is more than just for survival reasons, but for a truly meaningful relationship. This leads me to say, mentoring takes two to tango.
Being a mentee, and a mentor has always been a part of me. I am a mentee of a few of my leaders in the church, at work, and if I may add the authors who talk to me through their writings. It is always humbling to be one. What about being a mentor? What a privilege to be trusted, to invest time with individuals who are willing to share their lives and learn from my experience. I have a couple of women with me. Is it easy? Of course not. But for sure it is worth it.
The bottom line is, it’s important to engrain in mind that mentoring is not a magic wand that automatically creates success. The truth is that effective mentoring lies in how the mentee and mentor work things out hand and hand.
Be a mentee and a mentor! ^^
Thanks for reading! ^^
