I’ve found so much value in being involved with the Saratoga Mentoring program. I was inspired to enter this program by my first boss, Tom Kelly, who mentored me unofficially from the time I was about 9/10. He took me to my first Yankee game, gave me my first job, and to this day still gives me calls every month or so to check up on me.
These kind of relationships endure, and give all parties the kind of support and confidence to face challenges that life brings our way. Because mentors are typically outside the family, they give people a more open and honest feedback system free of fear or judgment that may or may not come from the family.
Be a mentor! Check out a local mentoring program, or take someone under your wing at work. The benefits last a life time and are paid forward.