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How to find a mentor?
I need a mentor that can guide me throughout High School and College. I find my counselor to be very unhelpful. I want a mentor that is able to help me out with my extracurricular activities since they seem a bit too complicated to do without one. also someone that is there for me whenever I need it. Someone I can talk to about my goals and give feedback.
I am in 10th grade and I'm 16. (I'm interested in the stem field)
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5 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aisha !
Since you need a mentor for your extracurricular activity and haven't found one yet being involved with it, I'd like to share some thoughts with you that can hopefully inspire you.
Mentors are an important part of the career path as they have the experience, the wisdom and are active professionals in the field of work that one hopes to be a part of one day. For a completely different perspective on mentors, I would like to explain that a mentor is someone who is discovered (by you) among the many people you already know, not a service that you apply to. It is no wonder that your high school guidance counselor doesn't seem to be this person for you, as their job is academic counseling, not mentoring. You would not always have that person around. Since you are involved in a group currently, an extracurricular, and have not discovered a confidant or someone to ask questions to, I wonder what group it is and what subject it is for. Maybe it is a subject that doesn't lend itself readily to mentorship. My opinion and advice leans towards looking no further than your own backyard for a mentor. It will have to be someone that you meet with, in person, and the focus should be on you and your career path and current work and study in the particular subject, not someone who is a counselor or staff at a non-profit who is not really supposed to make a friendship with their clients. There's a fine line there in which ordering a mentor can be very limiting.
I had two main mentors, one throughout college and one once I began and was involved in my career. These were older women who had been in the career many years and taught me a lot about it and life, actually. We were close friends and that's how I met them. Involved in my field of work and a friendship naturally developed and they were perfect mentors, deserving of the very definition of the word.
Discovering a mentor comes from you. If your subject is STEM as you've mentioned, no matter what subject you mean, an expansion of your social interaction could be the very thing that helps you broaden the scope to discover a mentor. Be clear about what a mentor is. A mentor is an older person who has been in the career that you hope to have one day, someone that you have a personal, meaningful friendship with and socialize with. Someone who gets to know you and really likes you. At least that was what mentors were back when I had them. They were not formalized as I guess they are today. Since you are not finding what you are looking for, I would suggest giving it some time and figure out if you want a mentor or an advisor. There is a difference. But the first step is recognizing exactly what you're looking for. Do not hesitate to ask anyone questions about your chosen career interests.
So I can accept that the meaning of being a mentor may have evolved into something very different than I knew when I had one, but it's awesome that you are reaching out here and exploring. I wish you all the best and hope that you discover someone along the way who has the qualities that you are looking for !
Since you need a mentor for your extracurricular activity and haven't found one yet being involved with it, I'd like to share some thoughts with you that can hopefully inspire you.
Mentors are an important part of the career path as they have the experience, the wisdom and are active professionals in the field of work that one hopes to be a part of one day. For a completely different perspective on mentors, I would like to explain that a mentor is someone who is discovered (by you) among the many people you already know, not a service that you apply to. It is no wonder that your high school guidance counselor doesn't seem to be this person for you, as their job is academic counseling, not mentoring. You would not always have that person around. Since you are involved in a group currently, an extracurricular, and have not discovered a confidant or someone to ask questions to, I wonder what group it is and what subject it is for. Maybe it is a subject that doesn't lend itself readily to mentorship. My opinion and advice leans towards looking no further than your own backyard for a mentor. It will have to be someone that you meet with, in person, and the focus should be on you and your career path and current work and study in the particular subject, not someone who is a counselor or staff at a non-profit who is not really supposed to make a friendship with their clients. There's a fine line there in which ordering a mentor can be very limiting.
I had two main mentors, one throughout college and one once I began and was involved in my career. These were older women who had been in the career many years and taught me a lot about it and life, actually. We were close friends and that's how I met them. Involved in my field of work and a friendship naturally developed and they were perfect mentors, deserving of the very definition of the word.
Discovering a mentor comes from you. If your subject is STEM as you've mentioned, no matter what subject you mean, an expansion of your social interaction could be the very thing that helps you broaden the scope to discover a mentor. Be clear about what a mentor is. A mentor is an older person who has been in the career that you hope to have one day, someone that you have a personal, meaningful friendship with and socialize with. Someone who gets to know you and really likes you. At least that was what mentors were back when I had them. They were not formalized as I guess they are today. Since you are not finding what you are looking for, I would suggest giving it some time and figure out if you want a mentor or an advisor. There is a difference. But the first step is recognizing exactly what you're looking for. Do not hesitate to ask anyone questions about your chosen career interests.
So I can accept that the meaning of being a mentor may have evolved into something very different than I knew when I had one, but it's awesome that you are reaching out here and exploring. I wish you all the best and hope that you discover someone along the way who has the qualities that you are looking for !
Nyair Washington
Case Manager and Therapist, previously a teacher
16
Answers
Updated
Nyair’s Answer
Hello, Aisha,
I love that you are thinking big already! I found some mentorship programs in Seattle for adolescent girls:
1. Big Brother Big Sisters: https://www.inspirebig.org/#
2. You Grow Girl: https://www.yougrowgirl.org
3. Seattle Angels: https://www.seattleangels.org/daretodream.html
4. Girls Inc: https://girlsincpnw.org/what-we-do/programs/produced-by-her/
Please check with your parent about these programs, as they require a parent's consent for minors. Otherwise, mentors do not have to be from direct mentorship programs! A family member, local organization member, or teacher that you look up to could also be an amazing mentor.
I love that you are thinking big already! I found some mentorship programs in Seattle for adolescent girls:
1. Big Brother Big Sisters: https://www.inspirebig.org/#
2. You Grow Girl: https://www.yougrowgirl.org
3. Seattle Angels: https://www.seattleangels.org/daretodream.html
4. Girls Inc: https://girlsincpnw.org/what-we-do/programs/produced-by-her/
Please check with your parent about these programs, as they require a parent's consent for minors. Otherwise, mentors do not have to be from direct mentorship programs! A family member, local organization member, or teacher that you look up to could also be an amazing mentor.
Updated
Kianna’s Answer
Finding a mentor can be an exciting journey! Begin by considering those in your life whom you admire. Is there a teacher with whom you share a special bond? Do they have experience in areas you're passionate about exploring further? Sometimes, these relationships form naturally, while at other times, you might need to take the initiative. Don't hesitate to express your curiosity and ask. Begin by inviting your selected professional for a casual chat, perhaps over a cup of coffee, where they can answer your questions about school, college, life, and beyond. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and this could be your first step towards a brighter future!
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Aisha,
What a coincidence, we share the same name! Securing a mentor can be a game-changer for your academic and personal development, particularly in the dynamic world of STEM. Your first step is to pinpoint potential mentors in your vicinity, such as educators, scholars, professionals, or members of STEM groups. Seek out those who resonate with your passions and have expertise in fields you're eager to delve into.
Don't hesitate to approach them directly or via mutual acquaintances, expressing your enthusiasm for their guidance and mentorship. Be transparent about what you aspire to achieve from this mentorship, like assistance with out-of-school activities and setting objectives.
Make it a point to participate in STEM gatherings, workshops, or conferences where you can rub shoulders with professionals who might be open to mentoring you. Online networks like LinkedIn can also be a valuable tool for linking up with prospective mentors.
Think about becoming a member of STEM-centric clubs or organizations in your educational institution or local community, as they often offer mentorship programs and a supportive circle of like-minded individuals.
Bear in mind that nurturing a mentor-mentee bond requires time and dedication from both sides. Be active in seeking advice and feedback, and show your dedication to learning and evolving. With tenacity and open dialogue, you can discover a mentor who will stand by you throughout your high school and college journey.
Wishing you all the best,
What a coincidence, we share the same name! Securing a mentor can be a game-changer for your academic and personal development, particularly in the dynamic world of STEM. Your first step is to pinpoint potential mentors in your vicinity, such as educators, scholars, professionals, or members of STEM groups. Seek out those who resonate with your passions and have expertise in fields you're eager to delve into.
Don't hesitate to approach them directly or via mutual acquaintances, expressing your enthusiasm for their guidance and mentorship. Be transparent about what you aspire to achieve from this mentorship, like assistance with out-of-school activities and setting objectives.
Make it a point to participate in STEM gatherings, workshops, or conferences where you can rub shoulders with professionals who might be open to mentoring you. Online networks like LinkedIn can also be a valuable tool for linking up with prospective mentors.
Think about becoming a member of STEM-centric clubs or organizations in your educational institution or local community, as they often offer mentorship programs and a supportive circle of like-minded individuals.
Bear in mind that nurturing a mentor-mentee bond requires time and dedication from both sides. Be active in seeking advice and feedback, and show your dedication to learning and evolving. With tenacity and open dialogue, you can discover a mentor who will stand by you throughout your high school and college journey.
Wishing you all the best,
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Aisha,
You can try Scholarmatch (link below). Their program matches students with online mentors who will be available to provide advice and guidance through high-school and college.
Seattle University has a SciTechathon for high-school students (link below).
University of Washington has a high-school summer program. You can also take university classes and earn college credit while you are still in high-school. You'll gain contacts and a better idea what you want to do. You might just find a mentor too.
If you know what field of STEM you want to study, seek out internships or volunteer opportunities in that area. You can try out different directions to help you decide. You'll make valuable contacts and possibly find a mentor organically.
You could participate in Science Fair competitions: https://wssef.org. Contact the wssef organisation and get advice on finding a mentor for your project. You can also approach a university department about mentoring a project. There are certainly people who are involved. Most of the successful projects are done with university support (project ideas, access to labs, training etc). A good tesult in a science fair can open many doors to universities and scholarships. And those contacts are valuable.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://scholarmatch.org/students
https://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/physics/scitech-2023/
https://hiprc.org/training/high-school/insight-hs
https://www.summer.uw.edu/registration-costs/how-to-register/u-s-high-school-students
https://www.uwhs.uw.edu/students-parents/credits
You can try Scholarmatch (link below). Their program matches students with online mentors who will be available to provide advice and guidance through high-school and college.
Seattle University has a SciTechathon for high-school students (link below).
University of Washington has a high-school summer program. You can also take university classes and earn college credit while you are still in high-school. You'll gain contacts and a better idea what you want to do. You might just find a mentor too.
If you know what field of STEM you want to study, seek out internships or volunteer opportunities in that area. You can try out different directions to help you decide. You'll make valuable contacts and possibly find a mentor organically.
You could participate in Science Fair competitions: https://wssef.org. Contact the wssef organisation and get advice on finding a mentor for your project. You can also approach a university department about mentoring a project. There are certainly people who are involved. Most of the successful projects are done with university support (project ideas, access to labs, training etc). A good tesult in a science fair can open many doors to universities and scholarships. And those contacts are valuable.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: