January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the
life-changing impact mentoring has on both mentees and mentors. To
mark this special month, we spoke with Annette Giroux-Smith, Mentor
Center Coordinator at El Verano. Annette sees the magic of mentoring
unfold every day, facilitating meaningful connections between mentors
and mentees. Here’s what she shared about her experiences:
Favorite Part of Mentoring
“My favorite part of mentoring is something simple, yet profoundly
moving when witnessed. It’s when a mentor and mentee—who come from
different walks of life and are at completely different stages—regard
each other with genuine caring and welcomeness. Those moments, free
from expectations or required outcomes, reflect mutual respect and the
pure joy of enjoying each other’s company.”
Best Part of the Job
“I absolutely love witnessing the bonds mentors and mentees create.
But I also cherish the sense of community that mentoring builds.
Whether it’s through staff meetings, conversations with mentors, or
the connections we facilitators foster with mentees, there’s a shared
sense of trust and belonging that makes this work so special.”
The Impact of Mentoring
For Mentees:
“What I notice first is the excitement mentees feel when they’re
matched with a mentor. Over time, this excitement transforms into
confidence that radiates into other areas of their lives. Mentoring
provides them with a safe space on campus—a home where they can
express preferences, make choices, and take initiative. Many of our
mentees haven’t had these opportunities before, and it’s incredible to
see their growth.”
For Mentors:
“Mentors often share how fulfilling it is to see the small but
meaningful progress their mentees make. They hold a safe space for
mentees to simply be themselves, helping them feel seen and valued.
Watching mentors appreciate these subtle developments is just as
powerful as seeing the confidence mentees gain.”
At the heart of it all, mentoring creates a ripple effect of
positivity, connection, and growth that transforms lives—both for the
mentors who give their time and the mentees who gain a supportive ally
in their journey.
This National Mentoring Month, we invite you to celebrate these
impactful relationships. Want to get involved or learn more? Click
here to explore mentoring opportunities with us.
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