Every one of us has a unique gift to share with the world and make it a better place. The lucky ones have discovered their gift and achieved success by purposefully reaching their full potential and building on their strong sides. But what can you do if you are still at a loss as to what path to choose? Or, perhaps, you are already moving toward your goal but keep doubting the next step you should take. Maybe you just need a little push in the right direction and a couple of encouraging words. In all of these situations, a good mentor can guide you to new academic, professional, and personal heights.
Why do you need a mentor?
A mentor is an experienced and knowledgeable person whom you can trust and who will teach you to believe in yourself and become your best self. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.” A good mentor inspires you, helps you embrace failure, and makes you want to move mountains.
The role of a mentor has become especially important in the context of the global pandemic. Within the framework of online education, personalized learning and the use of graduate essay writing service platforms are gaining popularity as a more effective and learner-friendly approach. The contemporary classroom is not teacher-centric anymore. Consequently, the educator is beginning to be seen as a mentor rather than a teacher.
At the same time, students today need more encouragement and guidance than ever. Young people are deprived of being immersed in the very special academic atmosphere that only a college campus can offer. They suffer from a lack of face-to-face communication and urgently need a mentor who will support and empower them.
Many different kinds of mentors can assist you in dealing with various study-related problems. For example, if you are struggling with academic writing or doing research for a paper, you can always turn to professionals from EssayService who will help you face the challenges of studying from home.
If you feel drained and stressed out, contact the psychological and counseling services at your university. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage. If you need a wise piece of advice based on personal experience, you can always talk to one of your teachers. All professors, even the most feared ones, used to be students and can understand your problems much better than you think.
Essential Qualities of a Good Mentor
If you have already met your own academic Gandalf, Yoda, or Albus Dumbledore, count yourself lucky! But if you are still in doubt, let us share with you 10 qualities of a good mentor that will help you find just the right person:
1. A good mentor is EXPERIENCED. It does not mean that only a graybeard can help you master the basics of surviving in the academic or professional jungle. But your prospective mentor should be conversant with the intricacies of teaching and learning as well as an expert in their field.
2. A good mentor inspires RESPECT. You will not learn naturally from somebody who does not seem to be an authority to you. You need to see your mentor as an example you want to follow; this will turn on your intrinsic motivation.
3. A good mentor should also be ACCESSIBLE. Fear freezes your initiative and prevents you from learning effectively. Researchers have shown that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, reduce your ability to understand and memorize information.
4. Good mentors are GOOD LISTENERS. They start guiding you by asking questions and defining your priorities and challenges. They are genuinely interested in your progress and will not interrupt you or cut you short.
5. A good mentor is a LIFELONG LEARNER. Life is changing so quickly these days that there is always something left beyond our cognitive horizons. So, whether you are an esteemed teacher, an argumentative essay writer, or a first-year student, you need to be ready to learn 24/7. A good mentor is aware of this simple truth and champions learning in all shapes and colors.
6. A good mentor prefers PRACTICE OVER THEORY. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget; teach me and I may remember; involve me and I learn.”
7. A good mentor is FLEXIBLE. Mentees are like snowflakes, and every single one of them is unique. This is why a perfect mentor chooses an individual approach and caters to your needs in the way that is most suitable and effective for you.
8. A good mentor is READY TO GO THE EXTRA MILE. Sometimes it means spending more time talking to you or giving you more detailed reading recommendations. At other times, it may mean believing in you against the odds and encouraging you to get up and try again after an especially bitter failure.
9. A good mentor allows you a high degree of FREEDOM. After all, you are the one responsible for your life, and you need to learn to take responsibility.
10. A good mentor has a GROWTH MINDSET. When you fail to grasp a new notion or repeatedly make mistakes, a great mentor will tell you not to give up because you are just not there YET.
To Sum Up
We sincerely hope that you will find a good mentor who will possess all of the above qualities and help you grow your wings and fly freely. And, surely, soon enough, you will become a great mentor yourself, helping your younger colleagues achieve their full potential.
