Tuesday, May 25, 2021

The Art of Mentoring

By JVC Abatayo

        It is indeed true that an iron can also sharpen an iron, that is why it is very important to be with those individuals who are thriving and proactive about achieving their goals in life because they can inspire you to see life as a battlefield in which it is possible to lose for you to learn and bounce back and for you to be able to experience the real essence of triumph. With that, I strongly believe that mentoring is very significant in helping others to reach greater heights and unleash their hidden adeptness and brilliance. Having a mentor enables you to recognize that there is always hope amidst uncertainties and adversities. However, the only challenge in mentoring is the acceptance and provision of trust because sometimes others could become reluctant and hesitant in giving and accepting trust from those individuals whom they think are not trustworthy.

        As a Chairperson of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Program of Saint Michael College of Caraga, I also do sessions of mentoring not only for my students but also for my subordinates and colleagues. I really make sure that I never fail to give my pieces of advice and words of encouragement and wisdom to them for them to have a support system that will help them in times of difficulties and setbacks not only about the program-related issues and concerns but also when they have personal problems. Moreover, I am so grateful to have genuine mentors who push me to become a more effective and efficient individual. I want to mention our dean here because I strongly believe she has the qualities of a good and accountable mentor. I actually seek advice from her on what will be the right things to do when I have problems with our program, especially in the instruction and marketing advocacies. I can still remember when I was just a newbie in the department, I went to her office and talk to her heartily when I committed something inconsiderable and unbearable. She praises me when I do something worth-appreciating and she slaps all of the truth to my face when I do something that is not proper. For these very reasons, I always trust her because I know it’s the right way to build a strong bridge that will lead me to the fortress of success.

        I am so privileged right now because I have acquired new inputs and takeaways about the mentoring process. This means a lot really for me as a program head. Though it is not easy to just lay down your trust and have someone to pick it up easily, we should always find those persons who can illuminate the excellence and beauty within you. We need to embrace the advantages of having a mentor who can empower us. If you have one or more, trust them, appreciate them, and listen to them because they can resonate with the truth about you. Good or bad, you need them for you to see the light and to win a good fight.

        The pieces of information and bits of facts that I have learned about mentoring, one way or another, I will apply in my work as a program chairperson. I will continue inspiring my students to be proactive and appreciative when it comes to learning and exploring Library and Information Science. I know that they know that I am always there for them when they experience complications and setbacks. They also know that I am very vocal when they commit mistakes or when they become irresponsible. That’s how connected we are. Furthermore, as I am handling a supervisory job, I promise that I will be a desirable mentor for my subordinates or colleagues because that’s the essence of servant leadership. I am here in this position to influence and encourage them to become the best that they can always be. I need to motivate them to help me up in my quest on honing future catalysts for academic excellence, research development, and community success. God is good and great. I know he will help me give sound and acceptable advice and instruction.

        To those who want to grow and evolve, don't hesitate to look for the right mentors. Be mentored. Be tailored. Be furnished.

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