On July 14 2014 a young man, Jose, said to me after a Toastmasters Meeting “we can learn so much from you. “I had presented, during the meeting, a brief summary of my professional background to Club members. I feel the need to now reflect on Jose’s timely comment to me.
Jose is a young man, who is working hard at his job in the financial world, and is also an active member of Toastmasters. Many members have joined the Club to be able to improve their speaking skills, as English is not their first language. They are also very eager to learn about Club member’s life experience.
Mentoring can come from many different sources. I have long believed in its value, and I have been fortunate to have had experience with mentors, in both the education and the political field.
In the mid- 1970’s, I met Peg Boundy through the Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women, Hurstville Club. She was a retired primary school principal, so we had education in common. Peg became a worthy sounding board for all things educational, amongst many other issues.
We were friends for many years until her death on May 11 2004, aged 97. In 2001, myself and 2 others, Thelma and Vicki constructed Peg for Peoplescape. Peoplescape, a Bicentenary of Federation Event, honoured significant people in communities across Australia. The figures were placed for some weeks on the lawn in front of Parliament House in Canberra. Peg was delighted at her recognition by the Kogarah community.
In the political field, I kept in touch with a former Alderman from a local Council. We maintained contact until recently. Sadly, she is now ill and is unable to talk to me. I remind myself of the many conversations we have had over the years –the conversations always included “ matters political in the local area.”
I offered to mentor a young lady at the 2004 Council elections. I was however re-elected to Kogarah Council unopposed, so I did not have to run an election campaign. I encouraged her to help a female candidate in a neighbouring Council area. The St George Leader featured an article, prior to the 2004 Council elections, on my planned political mentoring.
Schools use mentoring programmes to encourage and develop their students. This is a worthy programme, where a teacher will work one on one with a student to develop to their academic potential. This will hopefully ensure that the student has also developed both their confidence and their self -esteem.
The pfizer viagra canada you can try this out pills have been certified in the medical tests . Order tadalafil cost it from the internet and get ready for an average night at a club. Kamagra kaufen basically works by increasing buy levitra australia the blood circulation and testosterone without any side effects. Moreover, they can fight against infections generic viagra related to HIV/AIDS as well.
Mentoring can also work in friendships, where skills can be shared and learned. The younger generations, for example, are skilled in technology; they can assist the older generation to learn.
Jeanette, the producer, in mid-2013 of my You Tube, Anne’s Adventure considers herself to be mentored by me. When we meet, we discuss the film industry along with many associated issues. It helps that we are on the same wave length, although Jeanette is much younger than myself.
My professional life, as a teacher and a Local Government Councillor, taught me many skills. I have travelled widely, and met many interesting people in my life’s journey. Age is irrelevant in mentoring. Whilst age brings experience, wisdom and knowledge, mentoring can take place at any age.
I have always believed that one should never fail to learn from others, and one should never stop learning throughout one’s life.
Anne Field
September 10 2014
