Mentors and Education

What does a teacher do? Yes, we carry out lesson plans and teach children how to be literate in each of our specific content areas. Yes, we basically babysit your kids while you put time in your own job. And yes, we manage classrooms and deal with school issues. But really, is that all we do? No, we teach kids how to think critically, and we're supposed to prepare them for the pressures of the cruel, cold world which awaits them once they receive their diploma. Truth is, teachers are mentors, and the ancient idea of the bearded wise sage has always fascinated me. The topic of mentors is barely recognized in life, but it is something which remains crucial to the productive functioning of healthy individuals and the lost component in an otherwise sick and ruined society. When children reach middle school, they go through many psychological, physical, and emotional changes. During this time, the majority of kids will rebel against their parents and their teachers, adopting an "I can do this myself" attitude which roots itself in the very core of immaturity. Children want control of their own lives, they want to make their own choices, and they care but little (if at all) to what others may say to them. If you look at our society, it is unfortunate yet true that most of these children will grow into adults and never deviate from their immature attitude towards life. Individuality becomes a way of life in high school - a counter productive comfort zone if you will - and it shapes who they will become for the rest of their lives. Mentors - teachers, parents, etc. - can change this pattern and encourage the development to maturity. Without mentors, kids are generally directed toward self-centered ideals and care little about whom they affect with their decisions and words. It is also noteworthy to observe that young adults who have mentors usually regress at some point, feeling as if they've learned all that they need to figure it out by themselves. During such a regression, these kids break away from their mentor(s) and foster the same type of individualistic behavior of those who refused to let mentors play a role in their lives in the first place. The important lesson to learn here is that everyone - no matter what you do for a living or how old you are or what circumstance you find yourself in - needs to have mentors in their life. Period. Without the presence of the mentor figure in one's life, direction becomes convoluted and perspective diminshes. The truth that many youths (and sadly adults) cannot seem to grasp - or are unwilling to grasp - is the truth that you cannot make it through life in a truly happy and productive fashion without the help of others. You must depend on other people for support - there's no getting around it. And a key part of that support is played by the mentor figure. So, to those of you who are teachers, you need to embrace this mentor role and offer your students the kind of support they will need to mature and live a productive and healthy life. For those of you who aren't teachers, think of the mentors in your life. Thank them and show them the appreciation they deserve. As a teacher, it is the one reason above many that we go to school everyday - you have no idea how heart-warming it is to have a student stay after class to thank you. Bottomline: Everyone needs mentors. Think of them, thank them, and never forget them because without them, you would be lost.