We Make a Life By What we give
Mentorship has always held a special place in my heart. Winston Churchill's oft-quoted wisdom, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give," encapsulates a guiding principle that has profoundly influenced my perspective. This quote underscores the transformative power of servanthood—a belief that giving to others enriches our lives. As a firm advocate of servant leadership, I believe service is an essential quality for any leader, a trait to be both aspired to and perpetually pursued.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of steering impactful mentoring programs within the Columbia, SC community. My journey in mentorship began during my undergraduate years at The University of South Carolina when I worked with the Boys and Girls Club of America. Engaging with middle schoolers in the area, I discovered immense joy in providing mentorship during those formative years.
In the spring of 2010, I was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a fraternity with a rich history of advocating for the mentorship of young men, especially those from marginalized communities. Through Alpha Phi Alpha, our local chapter initiated programs like Saturday Academy at elementary schools in Columbia, offering mentorship, academic support, and enrichment activities. These initiatives not only benefited the students but also brought immense joy to our fraternity members.
Even after graduation, my commitment to mentoring persisted. I continued steering mentoring programs in schools across the Columbia area, impacting the lives of hundreds of young men. Witnessing my mentees evolve into productive individuals, forming healthy families, fills me with immense pride. To me, a mentoring relationship is perpetual; it never truly concludes. Receiving calls from former mentees, now in college, seeking guidance is the tangible evidence that I've made a lasting impact in their lives.
My doctoral dissertation, titled "We Make a Life by What We Give: The Impact of a High School Mentoring Program on the Perceptions and Academic Achievement of Black Males," delves into the profound influence of mentoring on students. Presenting my research to various audiences has been a rewarding experience, aimed at fostering a more robust community of mentors dedicated to supporting students with unwavering commitment.
In my upcoming blog, I will unveil the five core values that, based on my research, constitute a value system fostering student success. These values, when effectively promoted by adults and mentors, bring out the best in students.
Together, we will continue to empower the students and mentees we serve. Stay connected, as we will dig deeper into these values at TheMillennialPrincipal.org.
