[Phalanx]

Several years ago, I wrote this piece for our team to reflect what a Mentor should be. I call it our "Mentor Mission Statement". It's about the type of person, not necessarily skill sets. It applies equally whether you are a Technical Mentor or not.

Team 1089 Mentor Mission Statement:

The role and objective of a mentor is to inspire students to create, evolve and grow through use of science and technology. By doing so, mentors strive to help students become more than they already are. Mentors teach and guide students in communication, teamwork, and marketing, as well as designing, building, and operating a robot. They also impart life skills that will serve the students not only today and within the confines of FIRST Robotics, but throughout their entire life and professional career.

One mentor goal is to actively share wisdom and knowledge with the students to foster intellectual growth. A mentor exists to coach, teach, and observe students while remaining ready to step in as needed. He or She is expected to facilitate instruction and allow students to do the majority of the work. It is the job of the mentor to nurture the students and create an environment to facilitate the greatest student achievement. A mentor facilitates opportunities for fund raising and community outreach, promoting and spreading the message of FIRST in both team activities and outside engagements.

It is also important for the mentor to provide an atmosphere of open communication and trust where the students are empowered to think creatively, independently, and voice their opinions. A mentor is expected to show trust and respect to every student, while fostering the same trust and respect in themselves. They are expected to be positive role models for students and provide that model through example, as well as strive to maintain a positive attitude and optimistic outlook at all times. As a result, a mentor will have a profoundly positive impact on the students, the schools, and the community.