What are your Mentor Experiences?

[GreyingJay]

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 background: I've spent 20+ years as a volunteer with a local summer camp, working with students from ages 8-18. Through all of this I've developed what I hope are a good set of skills for working with this age group. Both FRC teams I've mentored have recognized me with some sort of "mentor of the year" award including being the WFFA nominee on 2706, so I like to think it's working

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.)

I seek not simply to teach technical skills but to model what positive human behaviours in general should be like. Someone who listens and seeks to understand, not push the answer they already have. Someone who works with you rather than talks at you. Someone who can see the problem, be sympathetic to the frustrated party, but figure out a fair solution without playing favourites. Someone who understands that in life, losing is a thing, and dealing with it. These are skills everyone will need.