Mentoring is a win-win game.
You give what you know, and you gain back something you don't know.
From tuition kids, younger cousins to new colleagues, I must say I truly enjoyed every moment of giving advices and advising them against potential pitfalls. And I hope the feeling is mutual. I'm aware I can get a little repititive (naggy) sometimes.
Being on my own since childhood, there's plenty of things I have learnt. Some are learnt the hard way. The most memorable one being the time when I almost accidentally caused a bully to fall to his death because he took my specs. Then, I was only in primary school. I'm glad he managed to keep his balance. And I hope he's well.
When you know what's bad, you will appreciate what's good for you.
When you overcome your failures, you know how to suceed the next time round.
Nothing was delivered to me on a silver platter. I became financially independent (ie. no pocket money) at age of 18. There is a sense of satisfaction when you can be independent of others, while most of your classmates are still relying on their parents.
I was so close to going to astray when I was young. But my down-to-earth common sense kept me safe.
I have been visiting a friend at the prison once a month for the past 4 years. The scene at the waiting area touches me everytime I am there. You see families who are waiting to see someone so dear to them, despite the pain he has brought to the family. Nobody understands forgiveness more than them.
Sometimes I wonder if I should just go and be a mentor to the young ones there. Salary continue to be a detering issue, but it will definitely be more meaningful than my current job.
Everytime I go for interviews, I am always asked the same "Where do you see yourself 5 years down the road."
I can't reply "To take over your position, Mr Vice-president." (kidding)
So I tell them something else.
"To be a specialist and a mentor to the younger ones."
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