The mentor that helped shaped my life was a teach I had in college. He was very straight forward, yet caring, but definitely held me accountable for all of my work. This professor was the toughest professor I had in college, but the one I remember. Even though I got a C in his class, I worked very hard and was proud that I didn't fail the class. This professor reached out and helped a lot which is why I was satisfied with my grade.
Thanks,
Letitia Patterson
I have had a few great mentors in my life, however one of the most influential mentors I have had is now a retired college professor. As a child she would buy me books for Christmas and over the summer she would tutor me. This has really helped me to love learning as well as motivated me to seek higher education. For this I am grateful. I hope that I may inspire my students to maximize their learning experience and pursue higher education if they so desire.
Brenda,
What are some specific behaviors that indicate a positive attitude toward work?
Jeffrey Schillinger
My first mentor in education helped me to understand how my attitude impacted my students, and how modeling a particular attitude towards school and work could positively impact their attitudes as well.
A mentor displays positive attitutes towards work and co-workers, responsible and dependable work ethics.
Marcia,
We need to be understood in order to be effective teachers. Thanks for sharing this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I remember when I was fresh out of nursing school on my first job and I had a wonderful mentor who broke everything down in a way that a 2yr old could understand and do the job (metaphorically). I have adopted this from her and I have used it as my guide in everything. In my experience, I have been able to teach my patients, new nurses at the job, and with the nursing students. I have some how related nursing patho to football! That nursing student got it!
Diane,
You were very fortunate to have Dr. Viji in your life. You are now in a position to have that kind of impact on others new to our sector.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor gave me a vision of my future success. He was a master in inspiring me to achieve my goas and dreams. His compassion made me more compassionate to others. He was an outstanding role model. His voice is still influencing me today.
A former instructor (my mentor) was so knowledgeable in my field of training that when I became discouraged with my scanning abilities, her expertise made me want to keep pushing ahead to complete my education in cardiovascular ultrasound.
The first Director of Education I had made a bit impact on my life and on my career. I started as a part-time evening instructor jus for a little extra money. That decision turned out to be life and career changing. Dr. Viji saw something in me that I didn't know was there. She knew that I could go a long way in the education field and she took the time to work with and mentor me. Over time, she entrusted me with all of her "secrets" regarding managing the students and the faculty. In a couple of years I was promoted to Asst. DOE and then School Director of our new branch campus. I have since moved on to other schools, but her wisdom and willingness to share her knowledge is something that I will never forget. Because of her, I have a career that I love and I in turn share what I know with others to help them to grow as she helped me.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Dionne,
Thanks. Grandfathers and fathers are mentioned frequently in this forum.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My mentor was my Grandfather:) He was always a very giving and positive person and he felt that no matter who you were you deserved a chance. He felt that everyone should be able to become or try to become all that they could be.
Interesting post, Kiona. I suggest you talk to the Dean to see whose class it might be good to observe. You may find a mentor or you may identify things you do not want to do. In either case, the experience will have some value.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Timothy, this is a very important point that I failed to think of. I do find that as a new instructor it would be nice to have a mentor to help me with teaching/instructing specific type of issues, but I think drawing from your previous mentors is a really great idea!
I have had mentors in the past in my job as a nurse and as a leader, but I do not have any mentors as an instructor. I find this very difficult and realize that I truly do need a mentor to be able to go to for questions and to help me build toward the type of instructor that I truly want to become. But you have to have someone you want to mentor in order to have a mentor....
Nick,
What are some things you do to position yourself to be a mentor to your students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have not had meany mentors in life. I would say the lord helps me every day.
Don,
Thanks for sharing this. My dad was my primary mentor.
Jeffrey Schillinger
