No one is born as an expert, right? Even great persons in history were products of their great mentors. Plato the great philosopher in Athens, Greece in 387 B.C.E. had Socrates, same with Aristotle, and the like.

Just like you, they had had to get wisdom from their mentors. For a novice, skills and the like are best learned when a mentor is around.

Nobody can be somebody sans the guidance of an experienced one. Yes, imagine one student trying to get the skills in solving arithmetic when his only knowledge delves with simple addition and subtraction and nothing more. How would he get the solution to a problem which needs complex steps, etc. without the guidance of an adult guide or advanced learner for that matter?

He, of course, would encounter lots of frustrations. He is likely in quandary when it comes to finding the right or best solution, er understanding the problem.

And you know how it is to be in this situation, right? I, myself has had experiences facing a problem and does not know what to do; sort of being trapped in a labyrinth and not knowing the way out. It was so frustrating the first time I face the computer and never had a clue on how to use it.

Well, to avoid facing problems one needs to get expert around to be a mentor. Yes, they would be more than happy to extend help. They are, in fact, tasked (either on their own will or otherwise) when a novice approaches them for help.

Just like in the field of education, seniors in the service are good mentors. Maybe some can be of great help once they are given a chance to extend their expertise. It only needs listening ears and open mind to get their services free of charge. And the kind of valuing their expertise can be seen in the way you make use of their advices, suggestions and the like.

But, of course, mentors are just around not to take away from you the chance of being in the driver seat. You are still the one deciding which way to go or what approach is best for a given situation, etc. Mentors simply guide, help and the like when needed.

Mutual respect is important, trust as well. Never abuse your mentor to the extent of making them as if they all-powerful as gods to your success. They would not accept that. They are merely overseeing you and your journey towards your goal, and never be ones doing all the tasks for you.

Do get one and see yourself soaring high.

The author is a mentor of teachers in elementary grades in the Philippines. Aside from being a grade school teacher, he is also contributing articles to magazines just to make good use of his spare time. He has joined writing contest in the past, but until now, he is dreaming of bagging an award! This is why, he is now trying his luck in this endeavor--blogging-- to find his niche and somewhere, somehow find a way of publishing a book.