Mentorship
My friends, the time has come
for me to perform a public service. Unfortunately, as a public servant,
I am lacking. I wish to repay my debt to society here and now, by educating
you all on being a good mentor.
This is a very serious responsibility, and is not
to be taken lightly. Many people think they can just go through the
process, and forget about it. Not true. A student needs love and attention.
Students oft ask me for things, causing me to refer
them to their mentors. "But my mentor hates me," they say.
"He doesn't even talk to me." One must befriend their students.
Wuhao: Grasshopper, follow me.
Student: B..*wheeze*B..ut..We've been marching for hours!
Bad mentors would allow their students to get away
with this argumentative insolence.
"Fret not, it is not much further!"
<---Bad
"Come here. Yes, yes, a little closer. That's good. *SMACK* Don't
talk back. Don't forget, you're my student. I OWN you. I'd shut the
hell up unless you want to be stuck with manual labor." <---Good
Often times, mentors will tire of their students
and neglect them. This is bad for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it
is a tragedy to the student, and will scar them for life. Secondly,
it's bad business. A good mentor who sees 'the big picture' will sell
their student to wandering, seedy slave traders. This is considerably
more fair, to both you and your student.
Naturally, the student will see otherwise. But that's
why they're the student and you're the mentor. They just haven't learned
to see the 'big picture.'
One must not neglect the students they choose to
keep, however. Be certain to occasionally offer them slight praise,
or at least a small intermission from the constant abuse and pain you
inflict upon them. As with all things, don't over do it.
"You learned beannaich! That's very
good, student! I'm so proud!" <---Bad
"Beannaich Nice. Congrats. I won't treat you like a maggot anymore.
You're a full-grown fly." <---Good
Do try and be a good mentor. Treating a fellow aisling
poorly ruins a day, but treating a student poorly ruins a life.
Wuhao Iosef Mythrin