The Power of Mentoring

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” I could not articulate a better message to summarize the transformation that has occurred within myself in this new chapter of my life.  Transitioning from the classroom, which I still miss immensely, into a mentor-ship role has presented as many opportunities for growth within my own life as it has for those that I have served. 

The word “mentor” Is both a verb and a noun.  It is simultaneously something you do and something you are.  While I have been fortunate to mentor two amazing MU Fellows, Alli and Emily, it has been my own mentors that have transformed my thinking, ultimately allowing me to better serve the educators of my district.  

As a mentor, I have to stay current, but social media has always been a platform that I have avoided.  Fear coupled with negative perceptions made each application seem like a trap rather than an outlet to connect with others.  I have been fortunate however to be mentored, whether he knows it or not, by a technologically savvy connoisseur, Brent Catlett.  Slowly, Brent has moved me along my own continuum of learning and exposed me to resources that have allowed me to connect with amazing educators and leaders that I would have never met had it not been for social media.  Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for the patience he has shown and for that I am eternally grateful.  

   

My hope is that this post will reach someone, somewhere, that may have had the same feelings that I once had toward social media and feel as though they can find the courage to eloquently post something that will resonate with someone else. As John Wooden’s father once said, “There is nothing you know that you haven’t learned from someone else.”  Knowledge is nothing unless it is shared.  We are all mentors in some capacity and are destined to serve.  Mentoring is the greatest inheritance you can give and ultimately it creates a legacy for which you will be forever remembered.