Mentoring
While high school is a time to build your knowledge, focus on a career path and lay a strong foundation for your future, it’s also about building connection and relationships with your classmates, teachers, coaches and counselors. Think of a few ways you’ve experienced leadership and mentorship through your FFA chapter and how it has shaped your future. This spring, as you transition to an upperclassman or FFA alumni and supporter, use these tips to cultivate those same mentorship skills and have a positive impact on the next generation.
1. Be welcoming. One of the first steps to mentorship is cultivating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Reflect on your first day joining a new school, club, team or other organization. What were some things that made you feel comfortable and eager to come back? Making people feel welcome can be as easy as greeting them and helping them get acquainted.
2. Ask questions. Being a newcomer or trying something new can be intimidating. Asking questions can help someone open up and feel more comfortable sharing with a larger group. Consider asking new FFA members what led them to join or what they hope to get out of their experience. Simple icebreaker questions about someone’s background, what they are studying in school or what they enjoy doing in their free time can also help build new relationships and foster a greater sense of community.
3. Be honest and open about your own experience. It can be easy to put other people on a pedestal and assume their path was easy. Part of being a good mentor means leading by example. When engaging with new or younger individuals, think of a few experiences or stories you can share that will help them feel less intimidated. Your willingness to share about your experience — including the ups and the downs — will make it easier for others to open up about their experiences.
4. Celebrate their strengths. Mentorship is about helping others discover their passion, build new skills and achieve their goals. When you see someone excelling, applaud and recognize their strengths.
5. Support their growth. Part of mentorship means being there to support a mentee as they grapple with new challenges, learn new things and grow into the person they are meant to become. If you see someone struggling, encourage them to persevere and make sure they know you are in their corner every step of the way.
