It doesn’t take much living to realize that life can be hard. Often it is a roller coaster of up moments and down moments; though it seems like the down ones always hit the hardest and stay around the longest. It is during these times that people rely on friends and family to rejoice in the good times and to be supportive in the bad. However, sometimes that is just not enough. There are times in life, both good and bad, when individuals need someone to come alongside them and help guide them to the next step. Someone who has already walked through the tunnel and seen the light at the other end.
A mentor is someone, usually older, who has experienced firsthand many of the challenges and life experiences that you are facing. They can be helpful in many different aspects of life. When a young woman has her first child she often looks to an older women to help her learn her new role as mother. Often religious groups have mentoring programs to help new believers understand and learn their new faith.
Mentors are not just restricted to the personal aspects of life. Some businesses pair up new employees with more experienced employees to help them learn the ropes and understand what is expected of them. The Southwestern Company believes strongly in working together in a mentor relationship. Nearly all employees begin as summer interns and gradually work their way up. Even the president of the company started out as an intern. Eventually the interns begin recruiting other students and help them to find their place in the company. It is this close relationship between employees and interns that helps make Southwestern Company successful.
No matter what stage of life you are in, whether you are celebrating triumphs and facing defeat, you shouldn’t have to face it alone. In both the personal and professional arenas of life, having a mentor to share it with can sometimes make all of the difference.
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