Mentorship

Most are familiar with the word mentor and understand what a mentor is. The word “mentor” is defined as an experienced and trusted adviser. Finding the right mentor can be challenging. For many of us, our experience with mentors starts with our parents. Our parents are the bricks that lay the foundation for the development of our personalities. All parents want the best for their children but sometimes there are distractions outside of the home that is cause for concern. Peer pressure, gang involvement, or becoming the victim of a crime are matters that weigh heavily on the hearts of parents. I recall my mentor (My Mother), during my early years advising me on many things. The lesson that I carry with me even now is to treat everyone as you wish to be treated (with respect).

Self-esteem is very important in a person’s development but that was something that had to grow on me. I recall high school being quite challenging because I had to interact with many of my peers who were from other neighborhoods. Here’s is the deal. High school is when many momentous things happen-people begin to date, socialize, participate in extracurricular activities among other things. All of the aforementioned build confidence. However, it wasn’t true for me because I lacked confidence and self-esteem. Mentorship became the starting point on my road to self-esteem.

A few years after high school I met Richard Johnson better known as “Fish”. He was a street guy who would eventually become my mentor. After hearing so much about Richard I ended up visiting him in prison. Upon his release from prison, I began interacting with him and learning his wise, common sense lessons. As a result of his teachings, my self-esteem began to grow. Richard introduced me to motivational materials, he talked with me about giving back as well as other humanitarian causes. Richard was initially incarcerated for theft-it was wrong then and it is still wrong today. However, he did not let this negative experience break him. He was determined to learn from this experience and use this knowledge to help others. What I observed in Richard was a person that cared for others. He directed his efforts towards providing needed assistance to single mothers with children. Today Richard is an Ordained Pastor that runs a shelter for the homeless.

This article is about mentorship. There are other (mentors) who have impacted my life but none like Richard. He was the first (other than members of my family) to truly change the trajectory of my life. Before Richard, I had no confidence. After being mentored by my FRIEND I now know that all things are within reach, and depend on your level of confidence. Thank you, Richard!!!
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
VMGREVIEW.COM