Mentoring Matters

*M E N T O R I N G * T I P S*

BE PATIENT: Building trust takes time. A young person may notshow it at first, but your help may be just what is needed. Be persistent.

BEHONEST: Students know we are not perfect.  If you make a mistake, admit it.  Say you are sorry. It is a skill students mayonly learn from you.

BETHERE:Just the sound of your concerned voicecan make a difference in the life of the student.

BEPOSITIVE: Ask yourself, �What encouragement can Igive if my young friend disappoints their self?� Mentors are in the business ofhelping young people make the most of their lives.  Allow the student to make some mistakes whenthey are learning new things, to learn from them in the long run.

BELIEVE:Many students struggle with self-esteem.  Your faith inthem can be the greatest gift you can give. 

SETBOUNDARIES: Mostmentoring relationships develop and flourish without problem. Occasionally,however, something comes up. Mentors have an important role, but this doesn�tinclude replacing family or social service professionals. A mentor can helpguide a student to the appropriate source for additional help.

TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE STUDENTS� VIEWPOINT: Even if you don�t share his or her point of view, trying toappreciate it shows that you care.

CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES: Experiencedmentors report that working with students from a different background broadenedtheir own horizons and deepened their understanding of other people andcultures. Sometimes it is the differences that make the relationship grow.

HAVE FUN: Remember the goal of thementoring program is to develop a rapport with students, enhance retention, andencourage involvement in the learning process. Most importantly HAVE FUN duringyour face to face interactions.