[Beth Sweet]

I agree with what many are saying here.

I started a team my freshman year of college, and while I wouldn't suggest being in charge of a team that early on, I think it was ok to mentor. That being said, HOT, my HS team, had a "no students returning to mentor" policy. We have had a few kids on the DP go on to mentor and while I love them and they've been great mentors, I almost wish we would have had them wait a year, just to give the kids a bit of time to see them as mentors v. students. There is a definite line that needs to be drawn when you transition and remain on the same team, especially in the eyes of the students whom you will be working with.

As to your situation in particular, I would suggest going about it in a way that would encourage the teacher and lead of your organization to see you as a mature, professional potential mentor. Sit down with that teacher and, rather than saying the policy is dumb etc, list some fact-based reasons why you feel it should be modified. Explain why you would be an exception to the need to wait, perhaps you've demonstrated exceptional maturity while being a student participant, or demonstrate some skill set currently missing from your mentor group.

Best of luck!