Mentor: More Than Just a Word

by Lydia Rule

What is it like to have a mentor? Is it having someone to criticize your every action? An extra parent to boss you around? For those who are panicking: keep reading! According to Josh Hottenstein, a CollegePlus! business student, a mentor is like having a close advisor whom you can trust. Someone with life experience who can point another person in the right direction. Josh has known his mentor, Dr. James Young, for almost a decade. “We just started doing things together, talking together,” Josh said.

Recently, the two traveled together when Josh looked at graduate programs at a far away university. For believers, a mentor is not just an advisor, but someone who cares enough to invest in your life by praying, spending time, and being there for you when you need it most.

 

The Mark of a Mentor

“The mark of a good mentor is one who has wisdom,” Josh said, “And patience. That’s a big one.” He also added that life experience and creativity were prominent characteristics in a mentor.

 

The Mark of a Mentee

“Mentees”—the technical term for those who are mentored—also have to display certain characteristics in order to experience a rewarding mentoring relationship. One of those characteristics is listening to the mentor’s wisdom. “I consulted James Young before I started the CollegePlus! program,” Josh said. His mentor also listed qualities that Josh would need in order to excel at his degree, something that has enabled Josh to realistically prepare for the accelerated studies associated with CollegePlus!

“A big influence in my life is having someone to go to for a second opinion. He’s told me the truth and consequences of my actions. He’s put the responsibility on me,” Josh said. “He makes a point of praying every time we get together.”

Jennifer Voit, the vice president of Central Ohio’s Big Brother Big Sister programs also validated the benefits of mentoring in shaping today’s generation. “We’ve seen evidence of children achieving higher grades, having a more positive attitude towards school and showing higher levels of self-esteem,” she said.

Voit also noted that “having an older adult in their life gives them someone to look up to, someone to share their hopes and dreams with, someone who is helping to hold them accountable and someone that can be their biggest fan as they encounter the challenges of life! All of these positive impacts help children and youth set goals and aspire to do well in school and in life.”

Life Lessons

“Another thing he has taught me is prioritization,” Josh noted. Dr. Young has urged Josh to put God and family at the top of Josh’s priority list. And, according to Josh, the unique CollegePlus! learning style complements Dr. Young’s advice: CollegePlus! coaches encourage students to listen to their parents and develop strong family ties while in the process of seeking their degree.

Coaches also help the students foster a closer walk with God. “About a year and a half ago, I was still serving myself, not Christ,” Josh said. “[Dr. Young] was instrumental in bringing me to Christ.”

 

Finding a Mentor

“One of the most meaningful and lasting parts of my personal education came through mentors who invested in my life,” said Woody Robertson, the director of the CollegePlus! program. “They pushed me when I needed to be pushed and gave the big picture when I needed a vision.” Robertson noted that at CollegePlus!, the staff believes that training students in finding mentors who will invest in their lives is critical to the students’ success. “Mentors are typically older individuals of the same gender with experience and expertise whom the students can greatly learn from,” he said.

Titus 2: 1-6 speaks of the influence an older person or mentor can have in the lives of the younger generation. The apostle Paul mentored Timothy, giving the young preacher long letters of practical, fatherly advice.

If you don’t have a personal mentor yet, you can still surround yourself with Godly friends and family. Pray that God will lead you to the right mentor, and prepare yourself to be ready and willing to listen to advice. Finding a mentor is not something you should take lightly, but it is something that you should prayerfully seek God’s leading about.

Lydia Rule is a homeschooled senior in high school. She has been published in Nextstep magazine, Long Story Short, Aboite Independent, Fundsforwriters, Around the Bloc, The Torch, and Real Teen Faith. She is currently working on her fifth novel as well as a variety of other writing projects.

 

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