Mentors: What's something you wish you knew going in?

[techhelpbb]

I started mentoring before I finished college in 1996.
I wish I had a chance to go back and chart a more clear path to the level of achievement I would like to make possible for my students.

As time and my leadership skills have improved I have found that sometimes you have to plan ahead even if it is unlikely you will be able to execute. This way if the unlikely happens you are immediately prepared.

I seriously couldn't believe that 20+ years later we'd still be doing FIRST. I participated in 18 or more competitions in high school and they mostly didn't last a year, let alone a decade. I should have realized and had more confidence that if you try hard enough, long enough, you'll find success. Still there's always more to do and there is always more risk and reward.