Just For Mentees

Think about what you want help with...

A mentor can:

• Listen to you and help you stay motivated to succeed

• Help you with your studies

• Help you plan for your education

• Help you find a job

• Help you learn a particular skill, like how to fix a car

Make a list of all the people you know who might be able to be your mentor or help you find a mentor... For example family members, neighbors, teachers, coaches, ministers, recreation center staff.

Here is what to look for:

• Someone who believes in you and will go to bat for you

• Someone who will tell you the truth

• Someone who is not afraid of hard work

• Someone who cares about doing the right thing

• Someone you can trust

Here is where to look for adults who might agree to be your mentor:

• In your neighborhood

• Where your parents, relatives, or neighbors work

• At school

• At recreation centers

• At your church or synagogue

Do it! Ask someone to be your mentor.

• Tell them what you want from a mentor

• Tell them why you think they would be a good mentor

• Ask if they would be willing to be your mentor, or to help you find a mentor

• Suggest a trial period--one month, for instance--for both of you to see if it works and if you like it

• If at first you don't succeed, try again. Don't give up and don't get discouraged. You may hear a "no" from four different people before you hear that magical "yes" from person number five