Reflections on My Mentorship Journey:

 

Shaping Lives, One Lemonade at a Time

I can’t quite remember the moment I consciously decided to become a mentor. It wasn’t a sudden epiphany or a loud declaration. Instead, it feels as though I woke up one day and realized I had been shaped, molded, perhaps even born, for this role. Somewhere along the way, I embraced the saying: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Life, in its unpredictable generosity, has handed me enough lemons to make lemonade for generations.

Looking back, I see that those toughest times were not just trials but lessons. Without them, what tangible wisdom could I offer to others navigating their challenges? I’ve found my calling in guiding young people; a fragile yet resilient people. For me, working with them goes beyond mere profession. It’s a purpose; a mission!

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Beginning the Journey with Girls

My mentorship journey began with girls. Their stories found their way to my heart and my desk, demanding solutions to challenges that seemed overwhelming. You see, these young girls face a web of challenges, both in school and beyond. Without proper guidance, they risk losing themselves, making decisions they might regret simply because no one showed them the way.

One recurring challenge they face is a lack of parental guidance. I’ve mentored girls whose parents didn’t know their favourite food, their fears, or even their dreams. Some parents barely communicate with their children, and I fear that some will acknowledge their child’s existence when it’s too late; when they’re gone.

This disconnect is heartbreaking. I’ve met girls who trust strangers more than their own parents, not out of rebellion but out of necessity. It begs the question: Why bring a life into this world if you’re not ready to embrace the responsibility of parenting? Through mentoring, I’ve learned that parenting goes far beyond providing financial support. It’s about being present, emotionally available, and creating a safe space where children feel valued and understood.

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A Lesson in Empathy: The University Dropout

One encounter stands out vividly. I met a young girl, lets call her Malaika, who was on the verge of dropping out of University. Her parents, though financially stable, failed to provide financial and emotional support. Her home was a battlefield of arguments, and her school life was marked by a deafening silence from her family. She felt invisible, as if her existence didn’t matter.

Malaika was ready to throw her education away, seeking peace elsewhere. I stepped in, offering mentorship and emotional support. I offered to "parent" her, nurturing her academically and emotionally. She stayed the course! I am sure when she graduates, her parents will likely show up at the ceremony, proudly claiming her success. Yet, they’ll never know how close she came to giving up or how much of her strength came from strangers.

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The Role of Mentorship in Shaping Generations

Stories like Malaika’s  remind me why mentorship matters. As mentors, we sometimes fill the gaps left by absent guidance, offering hope and direction. But we can’t do it alone. It’s time we all take collective responsibility for shaping the next generation. Let’s raise children who grow up in homes filled with peace, safety, and support. Let’s create a future generation of empathetic, responsible, and resilient people.

For every young person I’ve mentored, I’ve learned just as much as I’ve given. They’ve taught me the power of perseverance, the strength of vulnerability, and the value of a listening ear. Mentorship is not a one-way street; it’s a dance of mutual growth and shared humanity.

Life gave me lemons, and I turned them into lemonade, not just for myself, but for every young person I’ve had the privilege of mentoring. Together, we’re building a world where no one has to face their challenges alone, and that, to me, is purpose fulfilled!