7 reasons why YOU should become a Mentor

The concept of mentoring sounds amazing doesn’t it? It also can seem equally daunting and many people aren’t sure what they could possibly do to help someone else, let alone a young person. The good news is you absolutely do have a lot to offer and will experience great reward. Here’s some reasons why……

1. Experience a sense of purpose

Many of our mentors now have a reason to get up in the morning, especially on a mentoring day. Knowing that you are making a real difference in a young persons life today in whatever they are facing, gives you a true sense of purpose.

“It is a rewarding experience to see a young person go on and achieve things after coming from a harsh environment” Mentor

2. Changing the life of a young person

In a relatively small commitment of time each week you will see the impact and changes taking place in their life. Small things are actually big things.

“Since being in the program I have calmed down a lot. I always used to be in trouble, but my mentor has taught me how to stop and think before I do something. I feel good enough to come to school now” Grade 8.

“It is one of the most gratifying things you can do” Mentor

3. Creating long-term difference in your community

Being a mentor does not just make a difference in the young persons life, it also flows into the wider community as you help raise the next generation.

“And we see mentors who connect deeply with the young person they are supporting; fulfilled in knowing they are making a difference to the life of a young person and in the longer term, our community." Principal

“Someone to spend time with a young person to help them with their schoolwork and confidence is a great need in these times” Mentor

4. Building a real connection with a young person

Believe it or not, young people want to build relationship with you as much as you want to with them. Even if you haven’t spent a lot of time with young people you won’t run out of things to talk about.

“The most important part of the program for me was getting to know my mentor as well as her getting to know me. I want to know how she is doing as well as be able to talk about how I am going. I would recommend the program because it is helpful, and the mentors are really sweet! “Grade 10

5. Provide an “eye in the storm” in a young life

Many young people don’t have great situations or families to come home to. By being there for them, and someone they can talk to can change their life for the better.

“I had a phone call from the girl I was mentoring, and she had actually rung me because she was so upset, and she just wanted to talk to me and that sort of made me cry, but it also made me think I was making a difference” Mentor

6. Supporting local schools

Mentoring poitively impacts the young persons life and makes a difference in their school, to their teachers and peers.

“. The fact that they have a significant adult in their lives who regularly turns up to spend time with them and just ‘be there’ for them is so important. The students look forward to the sessions each week as it is a time where they have the absolute attention of the mentor who quickly becomes a central figure in their lives.” Principal

7. Get to know your community

You will not be doing this alone! You have support of a Coordinator to help you individually and you will get a chance to connect with other mentors as well. You’ll be invited to get togethers with other mentors and discuss your experiences.

‘It’s a wonderful experience once they start, they’ll love it” Mentor Coordinator

Mentoring does make a real impact. It’s an opportunity to take an hour and a half out of your week to connect with and support a young person through many situations. It is a small commitment each week that makes a huge difference to a young life.

Take a step today and connect with us via the form below and begin the journey to help a young person today