|
Search
by Mentor
(Alphabetically by Last Name)
|
|
Visit
MENTOR/National
Mentoring Partnership's
website to find mentoring
opportunities in your
community.
|
|
 |
|
|
Welcome
to WhoMentoredYou.org Mentor Tributes. We hope you
find these tributes inspiring and meaningful. Tributes are
displayed alphabetically by the mentor's last name. Please
use the index on the left sidebar to search for a specific
tribute.
As
we celebrate the second Thank Your Mentor Day on January
25, 2005, express your appreciation to your mentor by submitting
a tribute of your own.
*
The Harvard Mentoring Project makes no effort to ascertain
the authenticity or accuracy of any tributes posted on this
web site.
|
|
|
|
| Mentor:
Alderwood Rotary Club |
The
Student Adventures In Learning Program would like to
take this opportunity to thank the Alderwood Rotary
Club for all the time and effort they put into mentoring
SAIL students. For SAIL students to be successful, we
need adult involvement. To a great extent this program’s
success is a result of our Rotary commitment.
During
the past five years, approximately 250 students have
been fortunate to benefit from this powerful experience.
With a rotarian’s guidance, a former SAIL student
graduated from High School, then four years later, graduated
from Washington State University and just recently received
his MBA from the University of Utah. Through his experience
with his Rotary mentor, this student gained the confidence
he lacked and saw in himself the ability to succeed.
As adults we do not realize the impact we have on these
young people. We may think that our one hour meeting
or chatting over lunch or breakfast doesn’t make
a difference, but I can tell you from the success stories
I hear, they make a big difference in the lives of youth.
This
summer the Alderwood Rotary mentored thirty-two SAIL
students. I know that some of these students presented
some significant challenges to the mentors. It seems
that every year our young people are coming to school
with ever increasing complex problems or needs which
is why it is so important than ever that we have caring
adults like the Rotary mentors in these young lives
and we THANK YOU ALDERWOOD ROTARY.
SAIL
Program
Lynnwood, WA
Back
to top
|
|
Sometimes
we forget how we got where we are and the choices we
made or paths we took to get there. I can reflect on
the day that my path was carved out the right direction
and it is due to my mentor, Vince Barbato. He took a
chance on me and we immediately clicked. Through the
laughs and some pain, we became great friends and he
taught me a lot about human nature and myself. Thanks
to Vince, I have succeeded where others failed before
and I have the passion to keep trying to do accomplish
more. I miss our daily interaction now, but I know that
he is there for me when I need it.
Janis
Randazzo
Santa Ana, CA
Back
to top
|
|
Somehow,
somewhere, I’m still not quite sure how and why,
my plight as an eager novice with a dream of showing
and breeding Collies became recognized by one of the
dog world’s top breeders—John Buddie of Tartanside,
a legend in Collies whose extraordinary achievements
have earned him his place in history.
It
was at a dog show last May when, having observed my
rookie efforts from afar, John’s sense of duty
to the Breed kicked in. While tentatively grooming my
Collie, my mistakes clearly apparent, John walked over—and
immediately took over. He showed me how to brush her
coat. How to hold the scissors properly. The correct
way to trim ears. He shared stories about the sport
and Collie history so I could feel less inadequate,
and more like a part of the “family.” It was
the start of a wonderful friendship.
To
this day, John continues to teach, share and inspire
in his efforts to help me find my way…and to "give
back" to the Breed he so loves. He is the very
best a Mentor can be. He answers questions with a question—so
I can formulate my own conclusions. He educates, not
dictates, so I can develop my own perspective. His encouragement
keeps me hopeful that maybe—just maybe!—I
can achieve something of value in Collies.
Indeed
what I learned from John goes beyond dogs—it is
about selfless generosity: We should learn to share
the best of us with each of us, towards a common goal
of excellence.
Thanks
John for your time, patience and knowledge. Thanks for
being an inspiration. My journey is far from over…but
if I should ever have the good fortune to beat you in
the show ring someday, just remember it is only because
YOU taught me how!
Mikki
Dorsey
Tarrytown, NY
Back
to top
|
|
I
met Lori at Children’s Hospital Oakland. She brought
a huge teddy bear! I didn’t know she was there
to see me, or what an impact she would have on my life.
She introduced herself, we talked, and she asked if
I wanted her to be my mentor. I jumped at the opportunity.
I was excited, never imagining what it entailed.
Since Lori began mentoring me, great things have happened.
My sister and I attended Foster A Dream’s second
Valentine’s Day Ball. Foster A Dream bought dresses
and accessories. This was great because I couldn’t
attend Junior or Senior Prom. Then there was graduation;
I MADE IT!
I
enrolled in extra classes and attended night school,
while battling Heart Disease. Lori didn’t approve
of my strenuous schedule, so she helped find missing
credits from my freshman year. These new credits meant
no more night school.
Three
days before graduation, she stayed up until 11:00 helping
me design a website for history class. This was extra
credit, to make up credits I missed in the hospital
getting my second open-heart surgery.
How many graduates can say they had a job at an organization
like at Foster A Dream, out of high school? I’ve
learned many valuable skills. She helped get my first
car. She’s been taking me out to practice driving,
so I can take my test. She helped me get back into school,
this time college. I aspire to be a children’s
rights attorney, and my mentor says she’ll do everything
in her power to get me there. With her amazing track
record I don’t doubt her. I know once Foster A
Dream’s mentor program is launched in January,
there’ll be more stories like mine. I’m living
proof of what mentors can do for you, and it’s
not over yet!
Porsche
Hudson
Vallejo, CA
Back
to top
|
|
When
I was a youth in the church I grew up in, there was
this lady that I would always see. She was always smiling,
you would see her encouraging and helping others and
she had a genuine interest in the young people. When
I was in my twenties she took an interest in me, she
began to mold me and teach me things. She actually is
my youngest son's Godmother, but I adopted her as mine
too. She is the founder of Weaker Vessel Women’s
Ministries International, and she is also the Spiritual
Advisor for Mentor Ministries. I have worked along side
her in ministry as her armor bearer and her assistant
for many years, and to this day I have never seen her
argue or fuss with anyone. She has taught me a lot about
ministry and how to carry myself as a woman of God and
for all of this I thank her.
Karin
Pearson
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Back
to top
|
| Mentor:
Pastor Kimberly M. Ervin |
I
thank her for her Godly wisdom that she so generously
shares. Pastor Kim is an example of a Godly Woman who
is able to balance marriage, family and ministry and
she does it well. She leads the women of One One One
by example. Have you ever met someone who is always
there for you, always able to lend an ear? Well, that
is Pastor Kim! Over the past eight years she has imparted
so much into me, which has shaped me through her teaching,
preaching, counseling and her friendship. I appreciate
her so much for believing in me, and trusting me with
the young women of One One One Christian Church. She
has been there for me during the rough times in my life,
as well as the good times. I thank her for not only
being my Pastor and my Mentor, I thank her for being
my Friend.
Karin
Pearson
Ranch Cucamonga, CA
Back
to top
|
|
In
honor of My Mother Eleanor Foster, I wanted to share
with the world the importance of the gift of a loving
mother, and the influence she has on the lives of her
children. My prayer is that this will inspire sons &
daughters to recognize, respect and receive from their
mother as well as to cherish their relationships,realizing
that their mother is A Gift from God.
My
mother my mentor, was a true example of a Woman of God.
She displayed the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit
in her daily living.
My mother my mentor, was loved by all because she knew
that God is love and she shared that love with everyone.
My mother my mentor, instilled her wisdom, strength,
knowledge and love into making me who I am today.
My
mother my mentor, was kind, generous and caring. I have
seen my mother give her last to those who were in need.
My
mother my mentor, was faithful to God which explains
her faithfulness to her family, her church and her pastor.
My
mother my mentor, was committed to God and she displayed
that commitment through her work in the ministry.
My
mother my mentor, gave me guidance, instruction, advice
and wise counsel.
My
relationship with my mother was like no other, she was
always there for me. My mother gave of herself, not
just to me, but to each of her children equally. There
was no favoritism ever in our family, which is a quality
for a firm foundation that I have duplicated in my own
family. Cherish, love and respect your mother, she knows
what is best for you.
If
by chance your relationship with your mother may not
be what it should be, now is the this time to mend it.
Thank God for your mother, and one day your child will
thank God for you.
Karin
Pearson
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Back
to top
|
|
I
had my first job at a retail store near where I live.
I did not last at this job, because it was a bad match,
and so I had to move on. I was there for the 90 day
training period, and while I was there, I really felt
positively impacted by the actions of one particular
executive team leader, Kim. I miss you, Kim, wherever
you are now. I miss the friendly smiles and waves that
she would give me whenever we had all or part of a shift
together, and I liked that because people usually don't
take the time to do that for me, because they want to.
She called me dearie, which I just thought really made
me smile, when I was scared.
She went the extra mile to see that I was attended to,
when I had to leave my cashiering lane for health reasons.
She was just awesome in helping me with just all sorts
of things, and I hope that we might cross paths again
sometime. I will always carry with me the memories that
you gave me, that made my experience brighter.
Thank
you, Kim G. I will always have you in my prayers. You
made a difference in my life and showed me that you
cared, by your words and actions and that is what I
remember most. I really hope we have the pleasure of
bumping into one another again, where we first met.
Kim- you are really one of those few caring people left
in the world. Bless you for being so nice.
Liz
S.
Lincolnshire, IL
Back
to top
|
|
|
Lori
and I hit it off immediately, over two years ago, because
of our similiar personalities (both ENFPs!), our love for
coffee, and our celebratory way of seeing and living life.
I was a junior in college and she my supervisor at the Service-Learning
Center at the college where I worked. I was going through
a lot with my parents' divorce and she was ALWAYS available
to go for coffee, give me a pep talk and to challenge me to
live life honestly and fully, even in the midst challenges.
Lori is the type of person that loves to give of herself to
everyone she meets...she even let me live at her house for
a couple months when I didn't have anywhere to go. She is
full of God's grace and love. Thanks, Lori, for being who
you are!
Cicely
W.
Grand Rapids, MI
Back
to top
|
|
Since
I can remember being able to remember, I have always wanted
to be just like my dad. He is a band director and his love
and passion for music education is none like I have ever seen
in one person before in my life. His lifelong dedication to
his profession has had such a profound impact on my life.
I suppose I have always loved music, but his inspiration and
mentoring are what make me the band director and the person
I am today. I am proud to say that my father has been my mentor
and my very best friend. His guidance and leadership and most
of all his undying love for me have made me the strong woman
that I am now. He will always have my utmost respect, and
most of all my undying devotion and love.
Megan
H.
West Des Moines, IA
Back
to top
|
|
To Peggy,
a strong role model and a dear friend . . .
Thank
you for taking a chance on me, a young employee, not really
"qualified on paper" for the job.
Thank
you for helping me learn and navigate the politics of a unique
organization within a large corporation.
Thank
you to Peggy for being such a strong role model for working
mothers and for helping me define my career goals with my
family in mind.
Meredith
B.
Washington, DC
Back
to top
|
|
My apologies
about not remembering your first name, but it has been more
than 35 years since I learned, in one weekend, how to write
intelligibly.
As an
advisor in the YMCA Youth In Government program you managed
to accomplish something in one weekend that no other teacher
had accomplished in my 12 years of prior schooling, and it
was your patience, kindness, and caring that made the difference.
Today
I teach computer technologies. As a way of showing my respect
to you, and others like you, I always try to give my students
some of the same things you gave to me years ago. Hence, your
gift has multiplied.
One person
can make a difference. You certainly did. Thank you.
David
Schamus
Topanga, CA
Back
to top
|
|
You waded
thru alot of attitude to help expand my knowledge, me,at 40+
trying to learn what most 20somethings know. And even after
the course was passed you stayed on as my friend, thru alcoholism
and disability, divorce and job loss you encouraged and comforted.
Had your own bad times yet still found time for me. There
may have been a fee for the course work, but for the rest
you never got a dime. And it was thru those kindnesses that
I have learned the most of all.
Passing
on what you have taught me will be an honor and a pleasure.
Thank
you Sue.
Rhonda
Turkington
Vancouver, WA
Back
to top
|
|
My story
begins not as a child, but as an adult. In 2003, I had a heart
transplant, and when I was released from the hospital, I was
given a wonderful nurse to follow my progress and to help
me in ways I can't begin to explain. Sabrina Moore is always
there with a kind word, she lifts me up when I am down, she
makes sure that I am safe, and she just supplies the support
that is so necessary with transplant recipients. She makes
sure that I have adequate medication, she makes all my doctor
appointments, she makes other appointments as needed. She
is an Angel disguised as an ARNP! Thanks my friend, for being
there when I need you.
Norma
Lowe
Fort Pierce, FL
Back
to top
|
|
I just
wanted to say thank you for all you have done. Help my husband
get a job, loan me baby equipment I didn't have money for,
making guest gifts for my wedding, introducing me to new,
fun, free activities, all your phone calls, listening to me
many many many time, and anything else I have not mentioned!!!
I know that you have a busy life yourself, but thank you for
making time for me and my family! You are a very special woman
and I really enjoy your friendship! I hope you have wonderful
holidays and a happy new year! thank you for EVERYTHING.
Jessica
O.
Bellevue, WA
Back
to top
|
|
Mr. Murphy
was my Band instructor. I had always lived in the shadow of
my two older brothers, one of which was an outstanding athlete,
the other, a gifted saxaphone player. Mr. Murphy gave me the
skills to not only become one of the top trumpet players in
the state, but also gave me the confidence I needed to get
out of my brothers' shadows and create my own light.
Mr.
Murphy showed me that I could be someone special, and that
I had the ability to outshine anyone who stood between me
and my goals. To this day, he remains my inspiration when
working with my own students. Thanks, Mr. Murphy.
Steve
Oakley
Deposit, NY
Back
to top
|
|
I wrote
this poem...to my mentor, thanking her for all that she has
done for me in the past year and a half—two years. She
continues to help me each and every day become a better person
than I was the day before.
Oh the
ways that you’ve inspired me,
The touching words that you say,
You’ve helped me to see things in
Ways that I had not seen before.
I’ve poured out my various concerns,
And you’ve guided me to forgive;
To forgive and see the good:
The good in others and myself,
The good that I can do;
The good of what praying will do.
God blessed me with you as my friend;
God knew I would face some hard times,
But He also knew, you’d help me through.
You’ve been a friend, a mentor.
You’ve cared so much more than others;
You’ve seen how homesick I’ve gotten,
And you’ve been like a second mom.
And when I’ve been so homesick,
Or even when I failed to appreciate
All the guidance and love, and hope
From my mother and my father,
You’ve helped me to see their true love,
The reasons why they do those things
That they feel are best for me,
You’ve helped me to see the way.
You’ve given me advice for the future,
The future that I cannot yet see
And to warn me about the future that should not be.
You’ve done so much just for my sake.
I thank God everyday for you.
You’re one of my many blessings,
You’re my friend and my mentor too.
Ashley
A.
Temple Terrace, FL
Back
to top
|
|
Janis,
I would
like to take a moment to thank you for all the time and patience
you have had with me. I really look up to you has my mentor.
You have been very uplifting and inspirational to me. You
have taught me to be patient and to look past the moment and
to look at the big picture. Even though I have made mistakes,
you have not given up on me. You amaze me all the time with
your many talents. You never stop. I admire you not only on
a professional level but on a personal level as well. You
are truly a gifted person. I want to thank you for taken a
chance on me. In addition, I ask that you continue to have
patience with me as I grow & develop in my new role. Thank
you again for being there.
Lots
of Love,
Kim
Kimberly
Foscaldo
Riverside, CA
Back
to top
|
|
Brad
Remington is my youth director at Pleasant Valley UMC in Wichita.
He is such a great person. I've only known him for a few months
but he has turned out to be one of the few adults I can trust.
Not only does he serve as a mentor to me, but to all the kids
in our youth group as well as some of the little ones. He
arranges for us to go on a ski trip, and he arranges things
for the youth to do during their off time in the summer. He
teaches Sr. High Bible Study on Wednesdays and youth lessons
or fun events on Sundays. During the summer he arranges Terrific
Tuesdays with Brad.
He has
a wonderful family and is a wonderful dad to his baby girl,
Payton. He listens to us youth when we have a problem we need
help dealing with. Thanks Brad!!!!
Caitlyn
P., 15
Wichita, KS
Back
to top
|
|
The past
six years of my life have been a complete blessing because
of one man. Mr. Stanley Shimada has been my teacher, mentor,
and friend since elementary school. He has seen me through
anything and everything.
He has
guided me throughout some of the roughest times in my life
and continues to do so everyday. This man has witnessed me
at my best and my worst. He has never lost hope in me and
strongly believes in my future.
Although
Mr. Shimada is a music teacher who I started taking clarinet
lessons with, he has turned into so much more. He has provided
me with guidance and advice in order to help me have a better
life. Together, he is helping me to constantly improve my
lifestyle, not by looking at others, but my looking at myself
first.
If there's
anything he has said that I will always remember, it's "everything
is equal to you." What you put in is what you get back.
Effort is the key, but that effort needs to come from the
heart or else there is little sense in doing it. I was also
taught the importance of appreciation for all things in life,
good or bad. To be thankful is to show humility and this has
helped me to realize that things happen for a reason and whether
it's a positive or negative event, I can always benefit from
it.
I owe
Mr. Shimada so much because he has never lost his faith in
me. He has kept me going when I thought I couldn't go any
further and he has also given me the confidence to set goals
in life and work towards achieving them. Because of his kind,
sincere efforts, I'm now very clear on my educational and
personal goals. Through his guidance, I'm also certain that
I will make all of these dreams reality.
Kelli
Miura, 17
Honolulu, HI
Back
to top
|
|
It was
fall of 1999 when I met Mr. Shultz for the first time. He
was an outside candidate interviewing for a management position
with our company and I had recently been hired as an assistant
in the Human Resources department. I hadn’t had a fatherly
influence in my life and was very inexperienced in the business
world. Unknowingly, I was looking for a role model/mentor
for guidance. Bill filled that role perfectly. Over the next
few years he would become very influential in my career and
life. Bill had a different perspective than most of the businessmen
I had met. He was very positive and passionate about his job
and he was as concerned about the people he managed as he
was about the company. He truly cared and he taught me that
you could be caring, ethical and successful at the same time.
He showed me how to make work exciting for others and how
to have a positive impact on people’s performance and
in their lives while carrying out the companies objectives.
A few years later he prepared me for my own management position
and I have been able to utilize his knowledge and teachings
to have an impact on my associates as well. I am very appreciative
that he took his own time to teach me how to have a positive
impact on others, because he certainly had a positive impact
on me.
Nathan
Kellar
Omaha, NE
Back
to top
|
|
One thousand
thanks for your mentoring and support. In 1988, while serving
as your office manager at Rosewood Elementary School, you
shared a career pathway (Occupational/Vocational Teaching)
with me that would change my life for the better. Your coaching
and on-going encouragement helped me realize the importance
of achieving and acquiring skills that make a difference in
the lives of the youth that I serve. Each time I reach a barrier,
or attempt to enter a new arena, I am able to call you, share
my issues and as always, you end my mentoring session with,
"It's going to be alright, you can do it, just give it
your best." Today, I am blessed to be living my career
dream, as an LAUSD Career Resource Advisor for at-risk youth
ages 14-21. I give thanks to you and all the other mentors
that stick-and-stay with those of us who need people like
you. My journey has been a blessed one, to name a few; I have
been honored with awards, opportunities, and achievements
- 2004 Anderson & Anderson Anger Management Certification
for Adolescent, 2000 & 2004 LAUSD Options Program - Jerry
Dean Medallion Award Recipient, 1999 Operation Hope six week
work experience program in ISRAEL with nine LAUSD high school
students, 1999, State of CA EDD (YEOP) Outstanding Service
Awar. Since 1988 I have maintained my Occupational/Vocational
Teacher Credential, I have facilitated many successful Career/Mentor
Day events, and career planning workshops for youth and trainers.
I continue to participate in on-going trainings and educational
programs to keep my clients job-ready. Mr. Silas, I have adopted
your mentoring style and I will continue to pass on the same
passion for helping others as you do. Thank you and may you
forever remain a "Mentoring Star."
Linda
F. Miles
Inglewood, CA
Back
to top
|
|
I've
been lucky enough to have more than one mentor in my life,
but today I want to pay tribute to my most recent mentor -
and my boss - Todd Simpson.
Todd
knew me through a professional association for fundraisers,
although we worked for different organizations. Todd saw something
in me that made him ask me to consider working with him. I
accepted, and for 2 1/2 years Todd encouraged me, challenged
me and praised me.
Todd
did something every great mentor does - he LISTENED, and he
dared me to dream. He never criticized - he made suggestions.
He never let me slack - he always pushed me to do my best,
and set an example by always doing his best.
He encouraged
my ideas - but he also made me justify them. He made sure
I took responsibility, and he always gave me credit when it
was due.
Best
of all, Todd never tried to hold me back, even when I accepted
another position. He told me from the beginning he wanted
me to grow, and I know he's proud of my professional career
climb.
He should
be. Without him, I would never have reached my goals so quickly.
Thank you, Todd. You've been a great mentor!
Brenda
Helget
Omaha, NE
Back
to top
|
| Mentor:
Kona (Donald) Smith |
Hawaiian
Studies teacher at Waianae High School, this man has touched
the lives of so many of his students that has encouraged us
to go forth & pursue our own dreams & goals. At the
time I was going through his class (1970s), I didn't realize
that my journey had started and would evolve me to what I
am today. Kona never "made" us learn, but often
told us that the choice was always ours to make. But the choices
we made could either make us, or break us. Altho' Kona's curriculum
was Hawaiian studies based, he taught many of us the basics
of making lifelong decisions.
For me,
the day I stepped in to his class was the day I would go deeper
into the Hawaiian culture as I never had imagined. Today,
I am a Kumu Hula (hula teacher) based in all the rich tradition
that our culture has to offer. If Kona had not planted that
seed of knowledge back then, I'm sure my life path would be
different. But I have him to thank; as we say in Hawaii, "Mahalo."
Class
of 1976
Darice
S.
Waianae, HI
Back
to top
|
|
In high
school we all have those things that we did to try to separate
us from the others. I am no exception. There was one teacher
that honestly helped me come through it all with a smile and
encouraged.
Mr. Stewart
was the teacher that kids made fun of because he was different.
He was bubbly, fun, carefree and sweet. He had a heart made
of PURE GOLD. He cared for each of his students as if they
were his own child.
He would
help me before and after school with anything that I needed
help with; let it be homework, personal problems, or just
needed a smile to get me through the day.
To this
day, sometimes I wonder what high school would have been like
without him. I am not too sure that I would have had many
days that I smiled!
Thank
you Mr. Stewart!
Victoria
Marshall
South Pasadena, CA
Back
to top
|
| Mentor:
Kiefer Sutherland |
I think
we all need a little help finding what direction to take our
lives in sometimes, and that there are no boundaries to what
can be an influence. For that reason I'd like to thank a man
that I have never met, but that over the last few years has
enabled me to find not only a sense of direction, but of purpose
too.
I have
always loved to write and have been fascinated by stories
and movies as far back as I can remember. It's always been
my dream to one day be able to put my own story into the world,
to touch people's hearts and minds and hopefully continue
that cycle of creativity that has been so beneficial to me.
Though I feel that had I never seen the passion and dedication
with which Kiefer Sutherland brings his roles to life, I don't
think I'd have been brave enough to persevere with my dreams
and devote those same admirable energies to my own work.
By creating
a character built on those same strengths, I have managed
to bring a solid backbone to my work and give myself the encouragement
to bring the story to life; that in turn has given my life
more purpose in the process. Perhaps the word muse is better
than mentor in my case, but the cycle of influence is just
as powerful. If I hadn't set myself the target of making a
role worthy of Kiefer's talents, I think I'd have lost hope
long ago that my story was worth telling.
So thank
you Kiefer for making such a difference to my life and helping
me enjoy living it so much more. Bless you.
Kelly
Mellor
Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Back
to top
|
|
Somtimes,
people that enter your life can take you by surprise.When
I was fifteen my gym teacher that I thought very highly of
did just that by becoming my mentor. It takes a great person
to extend grace and kindness to someone but just the same,
it takes someone extrodinary to be a mentor. I thank God that
I'm lucky enough to have one everyday.
Brenda
Trimble,
You were gracious enough to take me under wing.
You shared your wisdom and your time.
You taught me that things are not always easy, but that life
is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you choose
to react to it. You always have time for me, and that means
a lot, even if it's just for a quick ten minute chat or that
I just need a hug.You, Brenda Trimble, are a spiritual mentor
and great example that I am proud to look up to. Thank you
for being there and most of thanks for just caring. Thank
you a thousand times over. I wish you the best.
Fawn
Musser, 17
Wellington, FL
Back
to top
|
|
Throughout
these many years, I can only think about one person that has
been an outstanding mentor to me...My father, Ben Villanueva.
He is
a person that helped define who I am–my personality,
my work ethic, and my common sense. He has always been there
for me from the beginning. He has always been reliable. He
consistently motivated me to do my very best. He has been
a metaphor for hard work. He never believed in quitting. He
made sure that he finished what he started. He inspires me
to do the same to this day.
When
I was younger, I would always think that my father was too
involved with my life, consistently trying to advise me all
the time. We had our conflicts and arguments. But I think
it was good because, unlike other people that I know, I had
someone who would listen to me and someone that I can talk
to, especially in the cases that I needed help.
We came
to the United States, from the Philippines, with little money,
but with a lot of hopes and dreams. He has helped make those
dreams a reality, through his perseverance and his love for
his family.
He has
been an excellent provider for myself and everyone else. No
matter what challenges we may have had, he was willing to
face those challenges and do his best to overcome them. He
rooted for the underdog and believed that someday, through
education, that the underdog would be successful. He continues
to support me, especially now that I am going through graduate
school.
I can
go on and on about my dad, writing more than the 300 word
maximum that I am allowed here. But I want to stop now, and
reflect more to myself, about how appreciative I am because
of his presence in my life. Thanks Dad. Even though that I
am not a carbon copy of you, everything that you have taught
me was important and useful throughout these many years. You
are truly one of a kind. My tribute to you, besides these
few words, will be to continue to honor you and our family
through my actions and success in the future.
|
|
Mentor:
(n.) A wise and faithful counselor or monitor
Jeffrey
Voss is the definition of a mentor. He has indirectly inspired
us into the NCOs people perceive us to be today.
He taught
us we could start making a difference with our lives today,
in the job we currently hold, not the ideal job we hope we
might hold someday in the distant future. He served as a brain
to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction.
Thanks
for everything VOSSMAN!
-DAI NCOs
"Successful
people turn everyone who can help them into sometime mentors!"
~ John
Crosby
Earle
Reyes
Arlington, VA
Back
to top
|
|
I met
Cynthia while I was a student at Dunbar Senior High School
in Washington, DC. She was the Career Counselor and I was
a member of the Jobs for American Graduates club. She taught
the members to write resumes, patience in the job hunting
process, and prepared us to go on job interviews. She also
has style and grace that any young woman would be blessed
to have as a role model in their lives.
Though
my father is very involved in my life, I did not have a strong
female to be there for me, especially during the hard times
in life. Cynthia was there for me during my college days,
during my times of illness and loss of loved ones in my family.
She is like a mother to me. Her family also grew fond of me
and consider me a part of the family.
Cynthia
is a very compassionate woman and I'm very lucky to her her
in my life. Through her wisdom, love, and support, I have
become a better person.
Jackie
Fuller
Washington, DC
Back
to top
|
|
I am
a 29 year old woman and I am a mentor. I can honestly say
that growing up was a real challege for me. I was a young
mother. I had 3 children by the time I was 21 years old. I
never even gave college a thought. I am very blessed and fortunate
now because looking back I never had a mentor. There was absolutely
no one that I looked up to or wanted to follow in their footsteps.
No one. I thank God for Oprah Winfrey though. Even though
I have never met her in person, I feel that if I had to choose
anyone in the world that I would like to follow footsteps
it would hands down be her. She is a blessing to people that
she does nice things for and to the people that just get to
watch her show or to go onto her website. She is so deep and
below the surface and she is rich and still generous and able
to tell people thank you. She is not only beautiful on the
outside but she also is a gem in the inside and she has a
heart. You know that by some of the topics that she discusses.
Most billionaires could care less because it's not their problem.
She still cares. Oprah shows me that my dreams can come true.
I can be a very wealthy woman and still help people and especially
help children. I would just like to thank Oprah for not forgetting
and sharing her life and how to live healthy to continue to
be happy. Her generosity has no choice but to spill over to
others and to make them do the same.
Kiuwha
S.
Pontiac, MI
Back
to top
|
|
My older
brother has mentored numerous young people on his journey
through this life, but as his only sister, I believe he took
special efforts with me. From a very early age, I remember
him always being near, always willing to listen and offer
help and insight, and anxious to provide intellectual and
social stimulation. But above all, he was brave and committed
enough to shine a light for me, and others, along a path he
foresaw for each. When he was later stationed in Holland,
he encouraged me, a small-town high school student, to save
money for a plane ticket to visit him, and when I did, he
then laid all Europe and its wonders at my feet. The “Grand
Tour” was indeed great, not merely because it included
all the stops, but also because it opened my eyes to the delightful
variety of cultures, cuisines and customs on the continent,
as well as affording me the wonderful experience of having
an older brother’s devoted, undivided attention for over
two months. I was only 16 at the time, and that trip alone
was a strong factor in determining my future. Arming me with
the confidence and the know-how to continue on my own, he
offered the greater world to my young, eager soul. I have
so much to thank him for, and this is a wonderful place to
do so.
Oh,
and just for the record, I later became a teacher here in
Europe, so I suppose that I am, in some way, humbly passing
it on. Muchas gracias, Ron, from my students to you!
Susan
Y.
Valencia, Spain
Back
to top
|
|
Mentoring
Poem
My waiting
for a Mentor is done.
Hurry up tuesday and come.
He is
HERE for me.
What new stuff will we do or see?
I used
to hate school everyday.
Now TUESDAY I get to read, laugh and play.
On this
day I love to go.
I know he will always show.
I am
so proud to be matched with him.
Oh YEAH, his name is JIM.
If you
ask me, "What I want to be."
I'd have to tell you A MENTOR just like HE.
Theo
Marie
Three Rivers, MI
Back
to top
|
Reading
Teacher, Clarksville Middle School
I think you know that you saved me, but I don't really know
for sure. I wish I remembered your name, but I don't. All I
know is that you were a safe haven during a really tough storm
for me.
I was
a student teacher at Clarksville, and things weren't too hot
between me and my cooperating teacher. Looking back, I know
I played a bigger role in our problems than I could see at
the time, but nonetheless the support I needed from my cooperating
teacher was not there and things were pretty dark for me.
You stepped in and gave me a hand though. You gave me feedback
and information, you modeled such good practices for me, and
even though we never discussed the problems I was having you
were a shoulder to lean on.
In the
end it was you who helped me both personally and professionally.
I never told you then because with the nature of the situation
it didn't seem appropriate, but you were a lifesaver and an
inspiration.
Thanks.
Tara
C.
Back
to top
|
|
|
