What is a mentor?
Merriam Webster says:
Mentor: n
I recently read a blog post by Jenna Magnuski, that talked about mentors. She discussed her mentor and what he has done for her, and how she came to the realization that he was her mentor. This got me thinking. What is a mentor? Up until recently I had always believed that I didn’t really have a mentor. There was no one end all person who inspired and challenged me. No one person who taught me that Higher Ed was a career choice. I just assumed I would always be “mentor-less”
After a lot of self reflection lately, I came to the conclusion, that I don’t need that end all, be all mentor. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I don’t need it, because I believe I have several ”mentors”. There are people on a daily basis that challenge me, inspire me, teach me, and support me. That’s really what a mentor is, right? Someone to challenge, support, teach, inspire…etc.
My mentors are a small and diverse group, but for me, they fulfill my needs in a mentor.
My first mentor is my Best Friend Becca. I know what your thinking, friends aren’t necessarily mentors, but to me, she is. She may be younger than me, but she is wise beyond her years. She constantly challenges me as a professional. She makes me think outside the box, and re-evaluate how I see things at times. It is her challenge and support that keeps me pushing forward in the field, and her constant reassurance that keeps me confident in myself.
The next person, probably doesn’t realize he has become a mentor to me, but he has taught me so much in the short time I have known him, that I have embraced him as a mentor. In the last 3 months, I have received overwhelming support and inspiration from Ed Cabellon. He challenged me to start a blog, and supported me in the process. He is always there when I need reassurance, or have a question, and I learn so much from just listening to him.
My last mentor is not a person, but a group of people. I have grown to consider the #sachat community as a group of mentors. I know that I can turn to the community anytime I have a question, comment, or concern and I will get brilliant help and responses from others in the field. I am always learning and challenged by those in the community, and my experiences with #sachat have really broadened my perspectives about Higher Education and Student Affairs.
So what is a Mentor? Well, I guess a mentor is a lot less about having an established mentor/mentee relationship, and a lot more about having someone (or in my case, a group of people) who you trust and who in whatever way possible teaches, challenges, and supports.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
KA – Great post and thanks so much for mentioning me in it
Truth be told, you’ve taught me a lot too in the time we’ve gotten to know each other… it’s been awesome 
I look forward to the adventures ahead… keep up the great work my friend.
@EdCabellon
Nice post Kristen.
Sometimes I feel like we over-think mentors. You do a nice job keeping it simple and focused. It really does boil down to teaching, inspiring, challenging, and supporting in the right moments.
I also applaud you for your public recognition of those who have made an impact. It will come back to you.
Make it a good day.
Mike
Thanks for including me here Kristen, I’m honored. I have the same perspective on mentoring relationships, if it takes a village to raise a child–why not a professional too? It’s always refreshing to hear your perspective, thanks for sharing.
Great post, Kristen. It’s great to hear that you still found people people to guide your development both individually and collectively; I can absolutely relate. While I did have some mentors along the way, I am definitely a product of the transition that Student Affairs is often acknowledged with.