(message to self) remember that
MA is a business - and gifts are gifts.
Mentoring is just that, mentoring. sponsoring a newcomer to this new place. Helping them to learn the in and outs of this new situation. Teaching them how to use these different tools, equipment, and skills. escorting them past the pitfalls and sinkholes that we have found. Helping our new friends with this new environment.
Showing them how to do the different things that we have had to learn ourselves. This is the mentoring system.
And yes, this takes our time, effort, attention, and even sometimes our ped.
to help these folks learn to enjoy this new place, these new skills, enjoy meeting all these new folks. to participate in different social activities. learn the in and outs of the widely different tools, technology, crafts, and beasts.
to rescue them when they are in situations over their skills or equipment.
this is the mentoring system.
Not the 'gift' at the pre-determined end of the apprenticeship program.
mentoring the newcomers is a choice. one may choose to not participate. just as the newcomers may choose to not select a single mentor, but may instead question many individuals along their path. there is no one way through many situations.
i have tried to help anyone that asked for information, as best as i can.
but, that is MY choice. if one is well-informed, then one may make a better choice for themselves.
this is the mentoring system.
my best gift from mentoring? all the friends i have made along the way.