|
Dear
I used to believe that mentoring was reserved for the most experienced—the ones with all the answers, the accomplished, the all-knowing. My mentors had always been my guiding light, the people I turned to when I had questions. They always seemed to have the perfect responses.
As I progressed in my Toastmasters journey, advancing through Pathways and stepping into leadership as a club officer, I was often encouraged to become a mentor myself. But every time, I hesitated. I didn’t think I knew enough. I wasn’t "ready."
Then came a pivotal moment. While brainstorming my DTM project, I found myself exploring an unconventional idea. My mentor, instead of dismissing it, encouraged me to work with Toastmasters International to navigate the process. With his guidance, I moved forward, and together, we reached a breakthrough.
Afterward, my mentor shared something that changed everything: “There is always something new to learn, and I learned something from this experience too.” That simple statement transformed my perspective. Suddenly, our mentor-mentee relationship became a two-way street. My mentor began discussing his own projects and speeches with me, seeking my thoughts, and even involving me in chartering a new club.
Inspired by this shift, I stepped into mentoring others, and to my surprise, I learned just as much as I taught. Every mentee’s journey expanded my understanding of different approaches, new perspectives, and untapped potential.
That confidence carried over into my workplace. I started mentoring new hires, helping them find their footing. And soon, I was leading the onboarding process for our team. The appreciation I received wasn’t just gratifying; it was deeply fulfilling. I had become the source of support I once sought.
Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about growing together.
And that growth doesn’t stop with us. Just as someone once welcomed us into this journey, we have the power to do the same for others. Imagine the impact if each of us reached out to someone new—a colleague, a friend, or even a guest at a meeting—and invited them to be part of this experience.
So, I encourage you—pay it forward. Share your knowledge, uplift someone else, and bring a new voice into our community. You never know whose life you might change, including your own.
Who will you mentor? And who will you invite to take their first step?
| 
