![MENTOR [click for home]](http://www.mentoring.org/images/hder_test.jpg "go to mentor homepage, access key h")
© MENTOR.
Printed from http://www.mentoring.org/leaders/faces_of_mentoring/dr_susan_weinberger.php
Dr. Susan G. Weinberger, the founder and President of the Mentor Consulting Group, is an international consultant on mentoring.
I was a central office administrator of an urban school district more than two decades ago. As I traveled around to schools within the district, I observed many youth who seemed unmotivated and unchallenged. When I asked teachers why, the most pervasive answer was: "These kids do not have a support system, a consistent adult in their lives." The thought really plagued me. As luck would have it, one of my responsibilities at the time was developing a partnership with the business community. I asked local companies to release their employees one hour a week to be mentors. Pepperidge Farm (the cookie company in my town!) was the first to agree. The rest is history!
Two people. The first was my dear Aunt Shirley. She was never married and loved me and my twin brother like her own. When my brother and I were young, she spent time with us and cared for us in a totally non-judgmental way. She was a great listener, nurturer and very patient. She taught me so much about life and my future. She was an ardent Red Sox fan. I became an ardent Red Sox fan at the ripe old age of seven and never stopped worshipping them. I wish Aunt Shirley would have seen her favorite team win in 2004!
The second was Dr. Eugene Caliendo, beloved professor of modern languages at Carnegie-Mellon University, my alma mater. He believed in me and took me under his wing. He told me I had a great ear for languages and encouraged me to become a Spanish teacher. I was a Spanish teacher for many years. I feel blessed to be bilingual. I thank Eugenio for his support, belief and guidance every day.
So many, of course. But when it comes to mentoring, nothing in my mind beats Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. That is such a wonderful example of a true mentoring relationship. I have read it multiple times and it simply warms my heart. Every page is filled with the most incredible wisdom and advice. I smile when I think of it.
Actually, two philosophies. First, I grew up in a family that taught me two things: that charity begins at home and that you must never forget the entire community. If you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and good health, you are very lucky. It was drilled in to me. I have always looked to help others who were less fortunate. Gratefully, I married a man who thinks the same way. It makes it easier. We were able to drill this into our children. I live with the belief that it is better to give than to receive.
I also confess that I steal a wonderful saying from Margaret Mead whenever I can. She said "Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens could change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." I really believe that, too.
Don't expect some great answer. I hope this does not sound corny but there are two that I really love when it comes to high expectations and belief in young people: Stand Up and Deliver and Radio. Stand Up and Deliver came out many years ago. I loved the message that young people could look up to a teacher, no matter what the obstacles to success and finally achieve because the teacher believed in them. To me, Radio was another wonderful example of consistency and belief. Last week I saw Million Dollar Baby. That had a pretty strong impact on me -- another story of belief. It blew me away. So I guess I am saying, mentoring really pays off. As if I did not know!
High school was a long time ago. I was a high achiever and had a wonderful high school experience. You are going to laugh. In those days, every high school student in Brookline, MA had to pass a tough swim test in order to graduate. I never really learned how to swim and should have. I barely passed the test and still do not know how to swim today. For that, I am sorry.
I read the New York Times and our local paper every morning, religiously, no matter what. When traveling on mentoring business, I read USA Today. But I still rely on CNN as my major source of news.
That's an easy question. I end all of my keynotes and workshops with my dream – that every child in America who could benefit from a mentoring experience will have one. I only hope that I will live to see that happen. Unfortunately, I doubt it. See – now you have made me cry.
