When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to have multiple mentors to play crucial
roles in my upbringing. Most were coaches and teachers, but also individuals who believed in me at times where I didn’t always believe in myself. These people showed me that achievement wasn’t just about winning but about following through and the importance of teamwork. Their teachings helped shape me into the person I am today.
Being a mentor means being a molding impact in a child’s life, especially when it comes
to after-school activities such as sports and the arts. Active participation provides kids the
opportunity to gain confidence, develop skills and discover their talents. Going past the
performance of the game, it’s how we are taught to appreciate it.
For example, when I was a kid playing soccer, our coach was a man named Richard
Lawrence. Coach Lawrence was the best example of true sportsmanship. He was a very polite British man and father to one of the other players. I remember him always cheering the players on, even the ones on the other team who had just scored on us. This really confused me at the time so I asked him why. He said soccer is all about the love of the game, if our team were the only ones scoring, it wouldn’t be as exciting and fun. This has stuck with me since then and has allowed me to not stress too much about the competition.
Being a mentor is more than displaying technical knowledge, it’s providing support
during a crucial time in a child’s development. Taking a genuine interest in a child’s growth helps them explore their own potential. Both sports and the arts require discipline, teamwork, and patience. With sports, a mentor is not simply teaching the rules to a game, but how to face challenges and setbacks, keeping cool in the heat of competition and displaying quality sportsmanship.
As we look ahead to the New Year, we must continue to prioritize mentorship as a vital
component of children’s development. By investing in after-school programs that provide
mentorship in the arts and sports, we’re giving children the tools they need to succeed, both on and off the field or stage. These experiences are not just about developing a talent; they’re about shaping a child’s character, building self-confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging.
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