As I readied myself for graduation from California State University, Chico last month, I contemplated the people who have influenced my life. Having a mentor in my life has made the difference between my attending college and even my success
As I readied myself for graduation from California State University, Chico last month, I contemplated the people who have influenced my life. Having a mentor in my life has made the difference between my attending college and even my success while at college. I believe in the importance of this relationship and I wish to encourage others to think about how they can make a difference in a young person’s life.
I am very blessed to have been surrounded by very strong mentors in my life. There was one woman in particular who has made a significant difference in shaping my future. I became connected to a brilliant entrepreneur and philanthropist while in my sophomore year of high school.
Marilyn Allen, MSM, is the owner of Performance Coaching, a business-consulting firm that coaches individuals for high-level performance. Our relationship started slowly, since she gave me one of my first jobs. My responsibilities seemed trivial at first, but blossomed into the greatest real-world work experience I could have asked for. Working with her taught me discipline, accountability, professionalism and how to walk with confidence.
Until now I had never realized how important our relationship was to my development into a mature and responsible young adult. Mentors encourage you to pursue your dreams by giving you examples of success and the confidence you need to take on any endeavor. Quite often mentors can see potential in you that you never recognized in yourself. It is so needed in Hawai‘i to not only be supported and coached, but to be given permission to dream and embrace a bright future.
My mentor gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, but first she helped me establish my dreams. Giving young adults the opportunity to work or shadow a job allows them to explore their passions and pursue career interests they may not have considered previously.
I did not realize the importance of college, but Marilyn did. She insisted I pursue higher education. She even went the extra mile to support me both emotionally and financially throughout college. Through our relationship of coaching and mentoring, she created the Performance Coaching College Scholarship Program to award academically-outstanding Kaua‘i students who are studying to complete degrees in business, communication and/or leadership. The purpose of this scholarship is two-fold: support the student before and throughout college and award him or her $1,000 a year for up to five years of college studies, thereby contributing to our global community by developing individuals who will make significant differences.
As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Mentors can be everywhere in life, from family and friends to teachers and employers; whatever role you play, take it seriously.
I encourage you to make a difference in someone’s life. Be a positive example and commit yourself to helping someone achieve their goals. All it requires is that you be there for that person: give feedback and encouragement, share your words of wisdom, and be someone they can turn to for questions or advice.
Mentors have the power to impact society because they make you want to be a better person; they encourage you to dream big and give you the confidence and motivation needed to achieve your goals.
• Chandra DesMarais is a 2005 graduate of Waimea High School. She graduated May 22 from California State University, Chico, with a degree in business administration, an option in small-business management/entrepreneurship and a minor in managing for sustainability. She is president of the CSU Chico Net Impact Undergrad Chapter and graduated with several honors including summa cum laude, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Academic Achievement Award, Entrepreneurship Leadership Award and Outstanding Student Organization President’s Award.
