Being a Mentee

So, now we know what a mentor is and what you can expect from your mentor. But hey, there are two people in a mentoring relationship. What about you, the mentee? What is a mentee? What should a mentee do and not do?

A mentee is a young person like you who...

• Looks for friendship and support
• Seeks guidance from a non-family member
• Would like to take part in fun activities in the community
• Wants to work with an adult to achieve goals

We've described a mentee. Does it sound like you? If so, read on to find out what you should and shouldn't do.

You SHOULD:

• Email/call your mentor regularly
• Say "thanks"
• Suggest topics you want to discuss
• Let your mentor know how s/he can help you
• Be honest
• Explore differences (age, race, where you live)
• Tell your mentor if something is bothering you
• Remember that, just like you, your mentor wants to be liked and respected

Seems easy enough, right? How about what you're not supposed to do? Don't worry, that's easy, too.

You SHOULDN'T:

• Ignore your mentor's calls and/or emails
• Agree to do anything you don't want to do
• Wait for your mentor to make all the decisions
• Let your mentor set goals for you
• Expect your mentor to buy you things
• Forget to respect your mentor's privacy

Hopefully now you understand a bit more about the mentoring relationship. You know what being a mentee is all about, and you know what's expected of a mentor. Deciding to become a mentee could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.