Gary,
Nice post! Thanks for sharing this. Making students feel like they are "the only students in the class" is a terrific way to state our goal.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was my college nursing professor. She made a point to know us all by first names and would inquire about our home life. She knew little things about us and made us feel like we were the only student in the class. She was an expert in her field and very academically accomplished but she did not over emphasize that. She wanted us to believe that we would attain the same status if we worked hard, studied, and treated people the right way.
Carla,
You are able to portray a "similar other" for your students. They can see someone like them who has been successful.
Jeffrey Schillinger
At the campus that I currently work at I was also a student just over two years ago. With in my time there as a student many of the teachers there mentored me to believe in my self. This gave me great motovation to complete my program and become part of the staff. They showed me that what they gave me many others needed as well. So now with last few years I have helped others the way they helped me and love to see the change in a person when they become strong on there own.
Brittani,
Thanks for sharing this post. A good mentor will leave an impression that will last a very long time.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My cosmetology instructor from high school would be my biggest mentor. She taught me more than any instructors after her. She was so patient with us, and gave a lot of one on one time, and attention to each student. She didn't make us feel uncomfortable or embarraced to ask questions. She gave us praise when deserved, and tried very hard to help us see the learning experience and positive side to every task we did. She was also very young, as I am and was already a licensed cosmetologist, cosmetology instructor, and estation. I looked up to her then, and still do now, because I admired her so, that I pushed myself to follow right along in her foot steps. She showed me how to be a good instructor. Be stern, but be polite about it. Lift your students up instead of bringing them down, and encourage them to keep trying when they faail.
One mentor I've had is my current boss. We've had an interesting working relationship. For a year or two she was my direct boss in Academics. Then for a couple years she went to work at the Corporate office and I didnt see much of her. Then she came back and became our Campus Director where she resides currently. I've noticed that her impact in my life is much stronger when I see her everyday. She is the type of boss who really wants to see her employees succeed ane enjoy their time at work. This in turn makes for happy employees who go the extra mile to do their job and show her we are invested in our work. She has taught me that no act is too small and that by doing the little things that seem simple and easy for a student is the acts that can make all the difference. She sets a positive example by going the extra mile for student but still holding them accountable. It has been a great learning experience for me.
When I was a graduate student I had an amazing mentor, Linda my supervisor in my on campus position. What she provided me was opportunity and attention:
At 23 I was a smart but very insecure student. I could do anything I needed to academically, but socially I was way behind my peers. I just didn't have much exposure to other professionals and didn't know how to interact socially. I was often too shy for my own good.
What Linda did was include me. She invited me to lunch with the faculty. She created situations where I learned to socialize appropriately. More importantly, she gave me opportunities to be seen as and act like a peer rather than the socially awkward assistant.
As a career educator I realize how important it is to help students develop life skills in addition to their education.
Rhonda,
Thanks for this post. What are some specific things you do intentionally to u=increase attendance and retention?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was an educator as well and she made a big influence on my carrer.One thing that comes to mind is she always said "Your main concern is helping the student". Retention is a must in education and in attendance.Handle with care and concern.
Michael,
What were some of the things your mentors did for you that you can do for your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I was fortunate enough to have several mentors. They made me realize my true potential and capabilties and anabled me to do what I want in life.
Sandra,
Thank you for sharing this post.
Jeffrey Schillinger
These "anti-mentors" lacked some social skills and I would say inteligent-heart or even EQ. And even common sense would tell me that no matter who you are, what you do or how important, do you ever ignore someone's feelings or concerns.
This in regards to my "anti-mentors" MDs.
I learned from them how not to behave or even to do the exact opposite that they would do. Be more caring, most respectful of others. Look at the person as a whole, holistically, no matter the context, hospital or classroom or even bus stop.
That learning process was a very important one.
Sandra,
What is one thing that your "anti-mentors" did that you consciously avoid?
Jeffrey Schillinger
The thing I love most about my mentors is their calmness. Life can be crazy and stressful. Their approach to life is mellow and logical. Many times we cannot control aspects of life bit we can control how we respond. They have taught me that when the world is crazy I don't have to join it.
Throughout my professional (medical and educational) life I had a number of mentors. Not all of them were positive or a good role model to follow.
I can say that the greatest mentors I had taught and inspired me to become the best professional I could be, by following their behaviour, poise and respect for others and their profession.
But again, those that were not the best example to follow, also helped me grow personally and professionally by teaching me what not to do, how not to behave, how not to treat the profession or others, without the respect and consideration deserved.
Our department recently got a new Director and I am pleased to say that he is my new mentor. His approach to a drowning department is breathtaking and smart.
It's nice to have someone who looks at life just like myself. And, his execution is awesome. We are open to change and he is leading us to victory.
George,
Thanks for sharing this. How do you use the lessons from your mentor to position yourself to be a mentor for others?
Jeffrey Schillinger
One I can remember was the head of a company I worked for. he was excellent at clearly defining expectations, yet giving you the choice as to how you would achieve them. He encouraged and supported new ideas and thinking outside the box. For me that gave me the confidence boost I needed to attempt things I might not have attempted.
