Part 3 Mentor Inspiration

1. "A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you." — Bob Proctor
2. "The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in marking winners out of ordinary people" - Patricia Cross

1. “You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself” — Galileo Galilei
   https://www.mentorresources.com/mentoring-blog/20-inspiring-mentoring-quotes

I connected with these because I have realized that often i felt my mentors thought more highly or had more confidence in me than I had in myself and this often pushed me to be better, to live up to what i felt were their high expectations. Them having confidence in me helped me grow my own confidence and this made me a better therapist. 

1. “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” — Oprah Winfrey

I found this powerful because it speaks to the emotional and human side of mentorship, which is especially important for new teachers. Entering the profession can feel overwhelming, and while new teachers certainly need someone who can instruct, correct, and guide them through classroom practices and procedures, what they often need just as much is someone who sees their potential, their passion, and their promise. A strong mentor helps a new teacher not only improve their craft, but also believe in themselves during the moments of doubt that inevitably come.

2. “In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” – Phil Collins

For a new teacher, there may be a learning curve, but their fresh ideas, questions, and energy can also guide and teach their mentor! A mentor may offer strategies or insights, but in return, they often gain renewed inspiration and reflection on their own practice. This shared learning creates a professional relationship grounded in mutual respect and growth!

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg 

I really feel like the most important thing that a mentor can do is give someone the opportunity to learn and grow in a trustworthy space.  As a mentor, if I can form a connection with someone enough to allow them to feel comfortable with me, I can help them reach their goals and figure out what kind of teacher they want to be.  The beauty in working together as a community is that everyone brings different strengths to the table.  This quote resonates with me because I would not want to create a copy of myself, I would prefer to let a mentee find out who they are and create that best version of themselves.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelo

 I think that this quote emphasizes the profound impact emotional connections in relationships can have. The knowledge and guidance I have to offer are important, but the way that I make the mentee feel – valued, respected, and supported – is far more important as they join a new school and start a new journey in our district. Mentees can take in all the information in the world, but if they don’t feel a sense of belonging or value, the information can only go so far. When they do feel supported and understood, they are much more likely to embrace challenges, grow, and spread the same positive energy to others. 

 “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Steven Spielberg

 I think that this quote supports the idea that the mentor’s role is to support the mentee into becoming the best version of themselves, rather than a replica of what the mentor thinks they should be. The quote also suggest that the mentee should feel empowered to take the mentor’s guidance but ultimately make their own decisions and carve their own career path. Mentorship is all about finding the right balance between guidance and autonomy!

1. Do any stand out to you?  “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” – Dan Rather
2. Do any remind you of your mentor? "A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you." — Bob Proctor
3. Do you see yourself in one of these quotes? “The people closest to me determine my level of success or failure. The better they are, the better I am. And if I want to go to the highest level, I can do it only with the help of other people. We have to take each other higher.” – John C. Maxwell

1. I connect with the following additional quotes : 
2. “Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington 
3. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou    https://www.mentorresources.com/mentoring-blog/20-inspiring-mentoring-quotes

Would you post any of these in your classroom, at the bottom of an email, etc??  I like number 3 because I believe feelings are most important ways to connect with others.

1. “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” — John Crosby
2. "Great mentors give wise guidance.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
3. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." — Winston Churchill
4. "The mediocre mentor tells. The good mentor explains. The superior mentor demonstrates. The greatest mentors inspire!" –Lucia Ballas Traynor
5. "More than mere teachers, mentors are often emancipators, freeing artists from poor technique, clouded vision and personal uncertainty.” – Paul Soderberg
6. "We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -  Ken Blanchard
7. "Every 5 minutes is a new 5 minutes." - Madonna Stodolka (My Mom)
   
8. "You don't live to work. You work to live." - Charles Stodolka (My Dad)
9. "The work will alway be here." - Kathy Brown
   
10. If the other guy isn't laughing then it's not funny." -Madonna Stodolka (My Mom)

My mom has said many a time the following, "If the other guy isn't laughing then it is not funny." She used these words to help us see how our actions affected our siblings. She also used these words to help us monitor whether our teasing was playful and affectionate or spiteful and mean. When I think about these words, it's really placing yourself in another person's shoes. I use this quote often with my students to teach them how to be compassionate towards one another. This quote also helps students to advocate for themselves and others by giving them the words to use when someone is being hurtful. Healthy relationships are so very important to leading a happy life, and this starts by looking outside of oneself and becoming people centered rather than self centered.

1. “My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.” – Steve Jobs This quote reminds me of the mindset I often have with my students as well. It might seem difficult at times, but it's important to keep the end goal in mind, to leave people better than we find them. Growth & improvement often happen when there's discomfort. Our job is to push people out of their comfort zone to help them be the best version of themselves.

2. "Mentors build mentors. Leaders build leaders. When you look at it closely, it’s really one and the same thing." - Tony Dungy This second quote also reinforces the idea that that so many of the philosophies we hold in regards to teaching kids is also relevant to adults. Teachers work to prepare & develop future leaders, it's the same with mentors. I hope my mentee has a positive experience in their new role and feels confident enough in themselves as an educator to one day mentor someone else as well. 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelo
This quote has been one that I have felt connected to for many years. When I first heard it, I was struck with the profound privilege it is to emulate love, caring, compassion and helpfulness to all who I encounter. Many years of students, athletes I have coached, colleagues I have been blessed to have, and mentors I have been gifted have heard me repeat this quote. It is so meaningful to think about and remind someone of the power of influence we have on others in a positive or negative way.

"I think the greatest thing we give each other is encouragement...knowing that I'm talking to someone in this mentoring relationship who's interested in the big idea here is very, very important to me. I think if it were just about helping me get to the next step, it would be a heck of a lot less interesting." — Anne Sweeney. https://www.mentorresources.com/mentoring-blog/20-inspiring-mentoring-quotes
This quote struck me as simply being the best cheerleader I can for my mentee, this profession, and students. Encouraging others and being a guide is such a special feeling. Having sincerity and honesty helps to support the critical relationship one must have with a mentee. This trust building leads to growth and an overall positive experience for all.  

1) One quote that really stuck out to me is by John F. Kennedy: "We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." This quote reminds me of all of my mentors at Heritage Heights and is an excellent reminder to thank them often, not only on special occasions like birthdays and holidays, but every day!


2) “Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.” This is a quote by St. Teresa of Calcutta. As mentors, we’re called to inspire others to reach their full potential and be a light in their lives. I look forward to instilling my love of teaching into those around me, especially those new to this amazing profession, by getting to know them and what they hope to accomplish. https://parade.com/1246359/marynliles/mother-teresa-quotes/