Erika

As a first-time mentor on the Envision Programme, Erika, shares how the young people inspired  and reminded her of her love for mentoring and coaching!  

What motivated you to become a mentor with Envision? 

Honestly, I just thought that it would be a cool thing to be a part of. I expected to talk through ways of working with young people and that would be that. I had no idea just how much of a positive and inspiring impact the mentorship programme would have on me. 

 What challenges did the young people face during the programme? How did you support them? 

I think there were several, possibly some unbeknownst to them. The young people had such diverse characters that they all needed different types of attention & engagement. When working with the mix of personalities in the groups, I focussed on keeping high energy, active listening, and positive reinforcement. I always tried to ensure there was space for each young person to take part, to have a voice, and their input was valuable. 

What was a highlight of your mentoring experience? 

There was one student who had in the beginning struggled to engage with the programme. Over the sessions I ended up working with him often, just by how the groups fell, and each time I saw such progress in his output and his confidence. During the final, his segment of public speaking was so amazing and well thought out. He’d clearly practiced and was so driven to do his part and do it well. 

Not only that, but when he actively answered the judges’ questions, I was completely bowled over. We went from ‘I am not speaking up in public because I’m not good at reading and I stumble on my words’ to putting himself forward to answer questions in front of all those people. It was nothing short of inspiring. At the very end of the final as the schools were leaving, he came over to me and & thanked me for helping & believing in him, and I don’t know if he realises the confidence he’s found in himself has been so profoundly impactful for the both of us.  

Did you learn anything from the young people or the experience itself? 
It has sparked a fire in me to contribute more and to get involved with young people. I have begun research on communities I can get involved with outside of work and am looking to get involved over the next few weeks.  

What’s the top takeaway you’ll remember from working with the young people? 
I am not joking when I say they’re too numerous to mention!! The growth, confidence boosts, development, building trust, open conversations, the final. Every single meeting was such a learning experience for myself and an opportunity to really reflect on my own skills and what I love to do. This has been such a profoundly impactful programme for me. It has reignited a passion for mentorship & coaching that I sort of lost along the way in the corporate world.