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Who Mentored You? An Interview with Oprah
"One of the defining moments of my life came in the fourth grade, the year I was Mrs. Duncan's student. What Mrs. Duncan did for me was to help me to not be afraid of being smart. She encouraged me to read, and she often stayed after school to work with me, helping me choose books and letting me help her grade papers. For many years after that, I had one goal that I would one day become a fourth-grade teacher who would win the teacher award--because I was going to be the best teacher anyone had ever seen!
A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.
I think mentors are important and I don't think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone. Nobody has made it alone. And we are all mentors to people even when we don't know it. I recognize that I serve as a mentor to many women. Because anybody who makes it, anybody who does achieve any level of success, that says to the rest of the world, 'This is possible.' That, to me, is the whole point of celebridom, that's the whole point of fame, that's the whole point of notoriety; being able to take what fame you've been given, what notoriety, take what accomplishments, and use that in such a way that people say, 'This is possible.'" -Oprah Winfrey for more celebrity mentoring stories. |
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Ask the Mentoring Expert
Meg: If you could give one piece of advice to a new mentor, what would it be?
Dear Meg,
Change doesn't happen overnight. Mentors often volunteer their time to a young person because they want to make an impact in their mentee's life, and that's fantastic. However, be patient. You might not see the impact you're making for months, years, or maybe ever. But rest assured: you're making a difference, whether it's evident or not. Don't give up because you don't see a change immediately.
Do you have a question you'd like to ask the mentoring expert? Email mentorkr@uwp.edu today! |
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Mentoring Tips & Tools
- Relationship Tips for Mentors and Mentees
- Don't know what to talk about with your mentee? Here's 101 conversation starters.
- Tips for Summer Mentoring
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Inspirational Quote of the Month
"The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves." -Helen Keller
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