The Mentorship Program, Essay Example

A mentor is a person who is a trusted advisor, I personally cannot forget mine. After finishing my grade school, I was enthusiastic and exited to join high school not knowing the challenges that lied ahead. I was in my adolescent and could not understand the physical and emotional development.

I joined high school and the first two years were a great disappointment, judging from my academic performance. I rarely did my homework and started skipping class. My buddies and I would spend the afternoons smoking cigarettes at the school football pitch. Additionally, the school suspended me twice and given an academic warning. I viewed school like punishment and a waste of time. I had no interest in books or reading them. Then the school introduced compulsory mentoring program. My life changed from then.

I met my mentor twice every week, for at least one hour. I was not determined at the start, but with time, I longed for the sessions. My mentor listened and understood me well. He counseled and advised me. Before two months passed I had stopped smoking and from the results of my continuous assessment tests, I was clearly improving academically. My mentor became my friend and confidant. I trusted and disclosed to him personal issues. He changed my perspective about school as he motivated me to experience life with a positive attitude and I started thinking about my career. I’m almost graduating from college, and thank my mentor who helped me open my eyes. He made me understand how I could accomplish anything so long as I concentrate.

From scenario 1, I would confront the mentee by asking him why he is drinking lately. It may be due to peer pressure or stress. The mentee should be able to trust and disclose to me all the personal problems affecting him. I would also make it clear to the mentee that his actions could be destructive to his health and also lower his academic performance.

From scenario number 5, this disappoints some mentees and makes them lose trust. In such a situation, I try to be composed, say hi to them and leave. When I meet them later, I will joke about it, and tell it is just human nature to blow off some steam. This is not the best strategy to use, but it works best in critical times.