Getting Started

Whew. You've learned a lot of new information. Now you know exactly what you can expect of your mentor and PYD, and what PYD expects of you.

Ready to really dig in and see how the mentoring relationship works from beginning to end? You're probably excited to get started, so here are a few tips about communicating with your mentor for the first time.

First, GET READY to communicate. This means deciding what you want from your mentor.

Do you want help with:

• Setting and reaching goals?
• Speaking up for yourself and making your own decisions?
• Getting involved in the community?
• Making friends and having a social life?
• Making plans for your education and career?

Once you decide what you want your mentor's help with, WRITE IT DOWN.

Now you're ready to draft your first email, make your first phone call, or get together with your mentor. What should you say and do?

First-time communication Do's:

• Introduce yourself and tell your mentor about your background
• Remember that you'll communicate with your mentor many times, so you don't have to say everything at once
• Share why you're glad to be in the mentoring program. It will make both of you less nervous
• Ask your mentor a few questions about his/her background
• Tell your mentor what you'd like to accomplish and what you'd like his/her help with (use what you wrote down)

Feel like you're all set to communicate with your mentor for the first time?