A mentor is an experienced adult who, over time, supports, advises, educates and motivates a teenager to be their best, authentic self.
Teenagers are wired to develop life-long habits as they transition through and out of high school. During this truly formative time, an adult mentor like me can help teens develop a positive mindset and healthy habits NOW by working to achieve their goals, often breaking larger goals down into smaller steps, and supporting teens with empathetic guidance, useful strategies and relevant skills.
I am an experienced academic and life skills educator who can guide teenagers through the challenges of transitioning from a teen into an adult, from Middle School to Senior School, from the beginning of the HSC through to its end and even on to uni or the work-a-day world.
A teen mentor can fill the gaps between parents, teachers, coaches and other adults in the community, who often have strong, invested expectations of the teen.
As a teen mentor, I differ from these other adults because I bring an objective yet empathetic perspective to the teen’s responsibilities and issues. I am there to support and skill up the teen to set their own expectations of themselves and to pursue their own interests and passions, not others’, and still meet their social responsibilities.
As a confidante and champion of my former students and mentees, I know that teens can affect great personal success on their terms with tailored support.
what are the benefits of having a mentor?
Adult mentors who share interests with their mentees and who have strong social capital (education, career, life experiences) are proven to have a significant impact on teens, including improved:
- social relationships
- emotional wellbeing
- physical health
- academic results
- school-related outcomes
- long-term lifestyle outcomes
- future career outcomes
the mentor-mentee partnership
As a mentor, I take the time to question, listen to and get to know my mentee – their strengths and the challenges and opportunities they are facing. Then I use my understanding of my mentee and my extensive knowledge of teen issues and strategies to try to motivate and guide them to improve in the ways that they want to.
The mentee participates honestly and accountably in the partnership and is ready to problem solve any issues or set backs, try new things, make decisions and act towards achieving their self-set goals. They will hold me to account to my word.
Teens need to invest in this process by showing commitment to practicing important life skills, like bringing something to make notes with and showing up on time ready to reflect on and discuss the past week’s progress and strategise their next steps. Even if we just meet up in the world for a walk and talk.
It can take time for teens to get to know themselves and develop self-confidence to pursue their goals. Also, in the process of becoming more self-aware, teens and their goals can change.
Please be patient with this personal growth process.