Be a Mentor

“One of the most humbling times of my life was when I mentored a colleague who, through no fault of his own, was temporarily let go from the company I was a CTO for. We as a company were struggling financially and had to slim down the workforce. It was a sh*t time. It was important to me though from a personal perspective that I didn’t just sever contact with him. The plan was always to bring him back onboard once things improved. And they did. But during the time that it wasn’t so great, I would meet-up regularly with him online - he was based in another country. We would discuss many topics; life, technology & side projects. Where I could, I’d provide guidance and be a sounding board for him. From time to time I would plan things for him to do. The next time we met up, I’d review what he had done and provide feedback when necessary. I would like to think that this created a bond between us.”

“I’m not here to build a robot. I’m here to build students. That catchphrase has been attributed to me several times now and I’ve decided to own it. I think this should be the motto of every FRC mentor. My secret? Honestly, it’s simple. Treat everyone the same. I talk to a 9-year-old the same way I’d talk to any of you. No BSing, no patronizing, no exaggerated tones of voice. I listen when they speak, and even if they’re clearly wrong and “I know better because I’m an adult” I’ll work to steer and teach, not assert my authority “because I’m the leader”. I try to be very, very, very patient. These are traits that, frankly, are not always easy to model. But I work at it because I think it’s worth it. You know what else I’ve been known to do? Say “I’m sorry. You were right. I was wrong.” Because, hey, it happens. And I’d say it to you, so why wouldn’t I say it to a student? How many times does a teenager hear an adult say that to them? (Try it, if you dare, and watch their reaction. And watch how much more respect they have for you afterward.)”