Each January, MENTOR unites communities for National Mentoring Month. By harnessing our collective voice, MENTOR advocates for mentorship, legislative priorities, and raises awareness for how one conversation, one experience, and one mentor can change a young person’s life.
We are proud to join MENTOR by amplifying the voices of three of our AmeriCorps service members this month. Up2Us Sports coaches Luke and Phillip and VISTA Samantha answered some questions about what mentoring, and being a mentor, means to them.
Coach Luke, Beat the Streets, Providence, RI
● How do you show positive mentorship through coaching?
As a wrestling coach in the inner city of Providence RI, I am lucky to get the opportunity to have positive mentoring moments through coaching on a regular basis. Being a wrestling coach is different from many other sports as the student athletes typically sign up not knowing anything about middle school wrestling. So they begin with the very basics - wrestling stance, beginner moves, rules etc. As the season progresses the students start to show progress picking up their first takedowns and getting their first wins. As the team starts to form we begin matches against other schools and attend many tournaments all over Rhode Island and sometimes out of state. This travel time gives more down time for great conversations and mentorships with student athletes. Many important conversations about behavior in school, being a role model, keeping grades up, diet and healthy eating habits, summer jobs, high school, college etc. are had during these times. The student athletes realize they need to keep their behavior and grades up to remain eligible for this new sport they now love. And they see the opportunities available if they continue to succeed by the many alumni wrestlers who are having great success now at the high school level.
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach-mentor?
The most rewarding part of being a coach-mentor to me is having the alumni wrestlers stay in touch. Many of them continue to wrestle in high school, send me videos of their high school matches and when they are out of season they often come to middle school practices to help the next generation! I believe that joining the wrestling team in middle school has changed the lives of many students in my school! It helps keep them out of trouble, focused, teaches dedication and commitment and gives them up limited opportunities. It truly helps them beat the streets!
Coach Phillip, Youth Mentoring Partnership, Philadelphia, PA
● How do you show positive mentorship through coaching?
I attempt to show positive mentorship through my everyday actions and words. By this, I mean I speak to others in a respectful and kind manner, practice responsibility, and work to resolve conflicts that arise in classes and practices in a calm manner that takes everyone’s needs into account.
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach-mentor?
The most rewarding part is the development of relationships with the students.
● Do you have any influential mentors in your life?
My high school and college coaches were both powerful mentors in my life who instilled in me the confidence to achieve my goals and the value of working hard as a group towards a worthy goal.
VISTA Samantha, L.A.C.E.S., Prince George’s County, MD
● How does positive mentorship influence the workplace and/or your career journey?
Effective mentorship is a transformative force, catapulting a mentee into a world of exponential growth, knowledge, and abundant opportunities. As a first-year VISTA member engaged in sports mentorship for children, I’ve witnessed the profound impact it can have on personal and professional development.
In the workplace, positive mentorship acts as a catalyst, creating a growth-minded environment where continuous learning and advancement are integral components of the organizational ethos. This influence extends beyond individual mentees, shaping the entire professional landscape into a culture of innovation, collaboration, and achievement. Despite being in the early stages of my career, mentorship has already been a monumental force, boosting my confidence and enabling me to pursue opportunities that once seemed daunting. Mentorship goes beyond occupation, providing invaluable knowledge and skills that transcend into the real world, guiding a mentee to become a more resilient and capable professional.
● Do you have any influential mentors in your life?
My mentor, Rachel Lostumbo, has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration since our paths crossed during my freshman year of college. From that moment, her influence has consistently nudged me to surpass my limits and strive to become the best version of myself. Rachel’s significance extends beyond our academic connection; she has played a crucial role in introducing me to a diverse network of professionals in the field of public health. This expanded the scope of my professional experiences, providing invaluable insights throughout my academic journey and even offering life advice when needed. Rachel embodies the essential characteristics of positive mentorship: promoting diverse perspectives, honest feedback, and maintaining an approachable demeanor.
For me and my mentor, these qualities have been the cornerstone of our relationship, creating an environment where growth and learning flourish. Her guidance has not only shaped my professional trajectory but has also contributed significantly to my personal development. Through Rachel, I’ve gained not just knowledge but a mentor who embodies the principles of positive mentorship, making a lasting impact on both my academic and life journey.
