Spring Break
Editorial: Impart your wisdom
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
10/07/08 - Most of us can probably remember at least one time in our lives when someone who had already been there, and done that sat us down and told us what to expect. That person offered encouragement and advice, and miraculously, the task at hand started to seem a little less daunting.
At the same time, most of us have been in situations where we didn't have anyone to point us in the right direction.
It's almost painful to think how much easier things would have been if someone could have reassured you with some wise words.
The word mentor takes it origin from the Greek god with the same name. During the Trojan War, Odysseus left Mentor in charge of his home and his son, Telemachus. At one point, Athena disguises herself as Mentor and counsels young Telemachus to achieve his desires.
As college students, it seems in many cases that we have attained the wisdom that comes with age, and only from experience. It is not only our responsibility, but rather our obligation, to impart that wisdom on those about to travel the same paths we once did.
Here at the University of Rhode Island, students can find mentors in professors, their peers, and in clubs and organizations. Beyond that, there are even some groups, like Jumpstart, FirstBook and the Mentor/Tutor Internship program. Even URI 101 classes focus on mentoring.
Mentoring comes in many forms. For example, this weekend URI's marching band invited local high school students to collaborate, offering them a chance to see what it's like to perform in college. After the performance, URI students and high school students both came away from the event with positive feelings.
That's the thing about being a mentor-it's not only the person being mentored that receives an education. Sharing and listening to the experiences of others can sometimes reveal new ways to think about things. Plus, you make new friends. everyone can always use another friend.
So take the initiative to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, even a simple chat can make someone's day. Best of all, anyone can do it.
To all of those already mentoring, keep up the good work.
At the same time, most of us have been in situations where we didn't have anyone to point us in the right direction.
It's almost painful to think how much easier things would have been if someone could have reassured you with some wise words.
The word mentor takes it origin from the Greek god with the same name. During the Trojan War, Odysseus left Mentor in charge of his home and his son, Telemachus. At one point, Athena disguises herself as Mentor and counsels young Telemachus to achieve his desires.
As college students, it seems in many cases that we have attained the wisdom that comes with age, and only from experience. It is not only our responsibility, but rather our obligation, to impart that wisdom on those about to travel the same paths we once did.
Here at the University of Rhode Island, students can find mentors in professors, their peers, and in clubs and organizations. Beyond that, there are even some groups, like Jumpstart, FirstBook and the Mentor/Tutor Internship program. Even URI 101 classes focus on mentoring.
Mentoring comes in many forms. For example, this weekend URI's marching band invited local high school students to collaborate, offering them a chance to see what it's like to perform in college. After the performance, URI students and high school students both came away from the event with positive feelings.
That's the thing about being a mentor-it's not only the person being mentored that receives an education. Sharing and listening to the experiences of others can sometimes reveal new ways to think about things. Plus, you make new friends. everyone can always use another friend.
So take the initiative to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, even a simple chat can make someone's day. Best of all, anyone can do it.
To all of those already mentoring, keep up the good work.
