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FACES OF MENTORING: Governor Jeb Bush

1. How did you become involved in mentoring?

In 1998, I was running for Governor, and focused on education reform. My friend and colleague, Steve Uhlfelder, approached me with the idea of a mentoring effort, and I loved the idea. We started the Governor's Mentoring Initiative after I took office. I've mentored just about every week now for six-and-a-half years. It is one of the most rewarding experiences.

2. Aside from your parents, who was the most influential person in your life and why?

My wife, Columba, was, and is, the most influential person in my life. Like other couples married over 30 years, we've learned from each other over time. Mentors and positive influences are where you look for them.

3. What book really stands out in your mind that you would recommend?

It's difficult to recommend just one book, but for those interested in the dynamics of volunteerism, Bowling Alone is a great read. Robert Putnam does an excellent job of sharing why we need to turn off the TV, and become committed to our community.

4. What philosophy guides your life?

I believe in the tipping point - that small positive actions can create significant positive change. People often ask what difference one person can make and the answer is, you can help change the world. Mentoring is an example of that -- we have more than 200,000 active mentors in Florida -- and they are changing the future of our state, child by child.

5. What film has had the most impact on you and why?

Recently, Their Eyes Were Watching God made its debut on television. The book it was based on, of the same name, was our first "Read Together, Florida!" selection. Last spring we asked people across the state to read the book at the same time, and talk about it with family and friends. We set up events around the state to get people talking about it -- we had thousands of people sharing the story and what it meant to them.

6. In hindsight, what is the one thing that you would have done differently in high school?

I would have taken some of the pressure off myself and had a little more fun.

7. What is your favorite source of news?

I read most of the Florida papers every day as well as the nationals like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post.

8. What is your dream for the mentoring community?

I want mentoring to be a self-sustaining part of our culture… We already have "second generation" mentors - young adults who were mentored, now serving as mentors.

I look forward to the day when mentoring is not something "new" we have to introduce to a school or community, but part and parcel of education in Florida.

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