Mentorship-Minded

MM.

What are you passionate about?

Some people are passionate about social justice, art, sports, environmental protection, animals, politics, travel and many more. Passion is a very strong intense emotion, a compelling enthusiasm or desire for something. Passion is an emotional state that can drive an individual to pursue their goals with energy and enthusiasm. Passionate people are motivated by their desire to learn, explore and create. I am personally passionate about mentorship.

You may ask what is mentorship? I’m glad you ask. Mentorship is a relationship journey between two people in which a more experienced or knowledgeable person (mentor) helps, guides, supports or advises a less experienced or knowledgeable person (mentee). In this article, I’d like to encourage and inspire teachers to be more mentorship-minded, and how they can teach through their values. Mentorship-minded people are invested in the growth and development of those around them, and are committed to providing guidance and support, so that they can unleash their potential. Mentorship-minded individuals are committed to creating positive change and making a difference in the lives of others.

Mentorship is a Relationship

Just a quick background about myself. I am originally from Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, South Africa. I have over 10 years experience as a youth mentor and life coach, working with young people in South Africa, USA and now in the UK. I am passionate about helping people shift their mindset, so that they can unleash their potential.

As a teacher, what is it you’d like to be remembered for by your students?

When I was in high school, I had a teacher who one day told me that I won’t amount to anything. And she concluded by saying, “at least you are a nice person”. I remember those words piercing my heart, and I dreaded going to her class. Those words kept playing in my head. At the same time, I met another teacher, he never gave me any subjects. Every time he would pass me in the corridors, he would say “good morning, sir”! One day I asked him why he called me sir, he replied by saying “sir, is a term of respect and I respect you”. That day things shifted in my mindset. He didn’t wait for me to respect him first, he modelled to me what respect looks like. It’s because of this amazing teacher that my love for helping others started. He sponsored me to live my dream, to go to America to work at a summer camp in Boston. The difference between the two teachers, one spoke words of discouragement and the other spoke words of encouragement.

Speak positive life affirming words into your pupils, not doubt and discouragement.

An encouraging story, I saw Adele’s launch for her 30 album live on ITV special, ‘An Audience with Adele’. She gave the audience the opportunity to ask her a question in between songs. Dame Emma Thompson asked Adele, “is there anyone in your childhood who had been an inspiration to you?” She answered, Miss McDonald her English literature teacher, she left when Adele was in year 8. Adele didn’t know she was in the audience and the two of them reunited. Adele said Miss McDonald was a good teacher, relatable and likeable. Because of that teacher, Adele started writing songs and today she’s one of the best singer/songwriters.

’I’m not telling teachers how to teach, I’m not a teacher. But I want you to become a mentorship-minded teacher, that teaches from your values and character. I’ve experienced too many teachers shouting at students and speaking words of discouragement. These young people will remember your words for a lifetime. A reminder you should ask yourself, what is the reason you got into teaching as a profession? At the same time, students need to show teachers that they are willing to learn and to personally develop into a better version of themselves.

1. Patience. Be understanding, compassionate, and be an active listener.

2. Show respect to the students. Give them an example of what respect looks like.

3. Empathy and open-minded.

4. Creating a safe non-judgemental environment for them to be transparent.

5. Watch your words. There is power in what we say. It can encourage or discourage someone.

Be Mentorship-minded, so that you can invest into the lives of your students for the next five, ten, twenty years from now. That’s why I started my mentoring and life coaching business, to help young people become a great version of themselves. Check out my website paradigmshiftuk.com for encouraging testimonials.

I’d like to end this article with a statement. As mentors and teachers, let us strive to build a better world through our words and actions. In doing so, we can help our students unleash their potential and impact the world in a positive way.

Be intentional about seeing the humanity in every pupil, and you WILL see the results.

For further details, school visits and quotes, visit: