The Value of Mentors
BY KIRSTEN HUOTTE PSIA/AASI-NW EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
 

A mentor is someone who helps us on our pathway to becoming a better teacher, rider and communicator. I believe most all of us have had someone who has helped us; we’ve all been ‘mentees’.

As I travel around the different areas I am continually rewarded with unique stories about how someone has made a difference. I hear stories of how you met your mentor, how they showed you different, unique aspects of the teaching terrain, how they took you to clinics to show you how much fun you can have learning or how it was just nice to have a friend guide you along the way, inspiring you. Occasionally, I am lucky enough to see the reunion of mentors and mentees long separated but most often I am able to watch you and your mentor interacting as you do on a daily basis. Either way, the bond remains strong whether the distance between you is feet, miles or even continents.

Listening as you share, I am reminded how mentoring is a multi-faceted component to what we do. These mentors help keep us going, keep us involved and help us make a direct impact on our clients. As our mentor works with us freeriding, they show us how to have fun in our lessons. As they give us a small tidbit to help get down the run easier, we are reminded to keep it simple and as we watch them greet their classes day in and day out with the same excitement we are reminded what an inspiration we can be.

I believe part of the difference mentors make is instilling in us the properties and characteristics to in turn be mentors ourselves, in our own way. Mentoring is investing and the rewards are exponential.

So a big thanks to you mentors for all your hard work. You keep us inspired and help us inspire others.

Divisional dues $40. National dues $40 Being a mentor and making a difference, priceless.