What is the first thing that comes to mind, when you hear “mentor or role model?”

This was the question I asked some people today and I received many different answers. Very few people were able to give a definition of what it means to be a mentor or role model, however, a lot of people immediately responded by saying who their role model is in their life, such as ‘My parents, my grandparents, my friend, a devout Christian, Jesus, and my pastor.’ Their responses led me to wonder how the word “mentor and role model” were defined.

The following can be found on www.dictionary.com:

“Role Model: a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.”

“Mentor: 1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. 2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.”

I have had many people in my life which fall within the above definitions. These people are my parents, who have always taught me to work hard, to love everyone, to serve the Lord, and many other things which I continue to strive toward. At the church I attended when I was younger, I had two youth leaders as mentors as well as a friend who has given me advice on relationships, school, etc. Another special person, who mentored me and was my role model, is Nick Vujicic.

There was a time when I questioned how I could ever be a mentor or role model to anyone. I didn’t see myself as one who could instill some great knowledge to others because I told myself that there was nothing different or special about me. I had not experienced hardships that others had gone through which led me to assume that I could not be a ‘good’ mentor.

One day, I came across a video on YouTube and it was Nick Vujicic speaking to a group of teens. The main thing that stood out in my mind was when he mentioned that ‘life is worth living, when you find your purpose.’ I knew I had a purpose but I didn’t feel like I was good enough. I knew that I was called to mentor children but I felt that I couldn’t truly help them. I had an attitude which was summed up with the words ‘I can’t help them because I haven’t faced the same things they are facing.’

This video inspired me and made me realize that I didn’t have to know everything in order to be a mentor or role model to those around me. Nick says, “That the greatest purpose is to love and that we should be encouraging the people around us. If we are doing these things, all else will fall into place. We can be the change that we want to see.”

I encourage you all to take fifteen minutes after reading this to watch one of his videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIuz6fUtfRE.

Melinda Crown, President and founder of Girls in Power writes: “I believe I am a beacon through whom others are drawn to me…” This is the attitude that each and every one of us needs to have! We can each be a beacon that others are drawn to. Whether you are a parent of a girl, a mentor, a volunteer, or a teenager, you can be a beacon. You have a purpose!

How do you mentor? One thing that I have learned is to be real with those that you are mentoring. I don’t want to act like I know everything or that I have it all together 24/7. Those who are being mentored need to see that everyone has imperfections, yet, we each have the ability to rise above these imperfections and become a better person.

How can you get involved?

This Friday, on March 1st, Girls in Power will be hosting the ‘Be a Heart Leader’ event for Volunteers, Mentors, and Interns at YogaWorks. This event will guide you in building self-value, self-esteem, and self-respect within these girls! You will learn the benefits of mentoring teen girls.  Those of you who will be attending this event are able to lead and guide each of the girls who will be involved with Girls in Power. Each one of you can make a difference in a girls’ life.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, volunteer, or intern for Girls in Power, visit this website:/workshops/

If you would be interested in seeing Nick Vujicic, Girls in Power and fans have FREE tickets! Please contact,[email protected].

This Saturday on March 2, 2013 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Calvary Community, Nick will be speaking! Doors will open at 5:30pm. The address to Calvary Community is 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA.

(Donation provided by ‘The Women’s Council of Realtors of Simi, Conejo and Moorpark’)

Thank you Emma Phillips for making this possible… It will be inspirational for sure!!