If Money Were No Object: My Journey as a Mentor and Future Vision

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Imagine if money were not a constraint for any of us. What would we spend our time on? For me, the answer is simple: I would travel the world, explore new cultures, and spend quality time with loved ones. Additionally, I would leverage my platform to raise awareness for important causes that are close to my heart. This path was introspected and refined through my experience as a mentor, which taught me invaluable lessons about education and society.

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My Mentorship Experience

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For many years, I aspired to be a teacher. Now, I can confidently say that after some real-world experiences, I chose a different path as a mentor. My experience in mentoring students aged 11 and above was eye-opening and heart-wrenching. I spent several years mentoring students at schools in London, including a Literacy Mentor at an inner city school. My last stint was with 14-year-olds, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Tower Bridge.

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The Reality Ain't Pretty

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Engaging with struggling students, they often had a reading age of around 10 or less. It was disheartening to witness a lack of fundamental English vocabulary among kids in the capital of England. Despite these students coming from diverse backgrounds including non-English households, some with English parents, their smartphones were primarily used for entertainment, hindering their academic progress. Their teachers appeared to have lost hope in them, and the gap between their current abilities and the expectations from educational examinations seemed unbridgeable.

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Lessons Learned

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One of the most profound realizations during my mentorship was that these students, despite their resourcefulness, lacked the guidance and application skills necessary to achieve their career aspirations. They were bright and had other talents, but their resourcefulness wasn't harnessed for academic excellence.

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Reconsidering My Role

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Given the uncomfortable and distressing reality of my experience, I am reconsidering how I can contribute to society now. Instead of focusing solely on educational achievements, I plan to invest more in raising awareness for important social causes, such as literacy, digital literacy, and counseling for mental health. My journey has taught me that while educational intervention is crucial, there are deeper societal issues that need addressing.

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Future Vision for Change

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If I had unlimited resources, my goal would be to create comprehensive programs that not only improve literacy rates but also address the underlying factors that prevent students from achieving their full potential. These programs could include:

r r r Literacy camps and workshops to bridge the gap in fundamental skills.r Online resources to promote digital literacy and educational content.r Mental health support and counseling services for struggling students.r Role models and career guidance programs to inspire students and provide them with direction.r r r

Conclusion

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While money is a significant factor in achieving one's goals, it is far from the only one. My mentorship experience has shown me the tangible impact of societal issues on education and personal development. By leveraging my platform and resources, I aim to contribute to positive change and inspire others to do the same.