This summer, the Earl Woods Scholar Program held its annual summer socials and mentor orientations in Anaheim, Boston and Washington, D.C. While a virtual introduction had been exchanged between the new mentors and their scholars, the summer socials and orientations were the first in-person meetings for the pairs.
New mentors and scholars not only had an opportunity to connect with each other but also with other mentors, scholars, alumni and friends of the foundation. They were all able to engage with one another and share experiences.
In addition to covering program expectations and reviewing the mentor-scholar guide, participants had the opportunity to engage in fun activities including a photo booth. At the learning lab in Anaheim, many took advantage of the chance to get some golf shots in on the putting green and cool off with a water balloon toss.
So, what does it mean to be a good mentor?
“Mentorship is about being ‘good people,’and having the right ‘good people’ around us – individuals committed to helping others become fuller versions of who they are,” according to Anthony Tjan, CEO, Managing Partner and Founder of Cue Ball.
In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Tjan discusses the importance of mentorships focused on shaping character, values and self-awareness as opposed to a common approach when mentoring is practiced as a training program with emphasis on perfecting specific skills.
Typically, when we think of an ideal mentor we visualize an individual who is a role model- someone who can share their own experiences and be a positive influence in another person’s life. The Earl Woods Scholar Program staff seeks mentors who are interested in developing invaluable relationships that are life-changing for our scholars.
Our unwavering commitment to provide every scholar with a dedicated mentor throughout their collegiate journey is truly the cornerstone of the Earl Woods Scholar Program. With each mentor-scholar relationship, we have watched our students mature and venture into new areas of their lives. By serving as advocates, career coaches and personal advisors, mentors provide scholars with the tools and skills necessary for them to thrive.
Redefining what it means to be a champion.