Only at Western

In John Wooden’s Newest Book, A Game Plan For Life, The Power of Mentoring,  Mr. Wooden talks about the importance of mentoring and being mentored, throughout life.  He states that people who stand out to him are people who showed, modeled, lived and shared with both with words and with action.  He says that “mentor” is something you do and something you are.  I think it is anything that inspires you or that you inspire.  I also believe that personal and professional mentoring are equally important. 

Mr. Wooden says that mentoring isn’t something you sign up for.  Mentors are all around us-parents, teachers and coaches.  And, we all need to remember that as long as someone is watching, we are mentoring, whether intentionally or by accident.  I believe that everything I know I have learned at least in part, from someone else.  Mr. Wooden says, “Everything in the world has been passed down.  It is the greatest inheritance you can give to another.”

In his book, Mr. Wooden distinguished between a mentor and a hero by saying that a hero is someone you idolize while a mentor is someone you respect.  He adds that a hero amazes and takes our breath away while a mentor earns our confidence and is given our trust.  And Mr. Wooden reminds that people don’t always agree with mentors.  I do believe there have been times in my own life where I learned a lot from someone else’s mistakes or from their poor presentation.  I definitely learned how “NOT” to behave or treat people.

As a parent and an educator I believe I have a responsibility to reach out to others and share my knowledge, experiences, insights, successes and mistakes.  Otherwise, I don’t believe I’m doing my part.  Being a mentor means that no matter what I am doing in front of an audience of one or more, someone may take something I have done or said and find it important to them. 

Mr. Wooden lists seven people in his life that he definitely considered mentors-people who had a huge role in shaping his life.  After reading his book, I chose to reflect and do the same.  I have hundreds of people who are important in my life, and have indeed provided mentorship to me, but some challenged me in ways only they could and I acknowledge eight of them at this time: 

Mrs. Linda Perlinski, my 5th grade math teacher, who showed me a genuine love for mathematics and learning, teaching, sharing and role modeling.  I played school as a young child, and I spoke of becoming a teacher when I grew up, but after 5th grade, I knew education was my calling.

Mr. Godfrey Saunders, my high school basketball coach, who taught me that it’s what’s inside that really counts.  He instilled in me the ideal that if you “do what’s right and good” then no matter what others do, you keep your head high.  After all, you can truly only control yourself.

My Grandma O2, who taught me the value of family, through her family histories.  She also taught me to laugh at myself even when others “might not get it”.

My Grandpa Sweet whose quiet and patient demeanor reminded me that taking time to smell the roses and take stock in the here and now, is very important.

My best friend, Lynel, who has shown me what true loyalty and friendship really are, and how you need to find a balance between being true to yourself and being there for others.

Dr. Richard Strahorn, Former SSD#1 Administrator, who stressed the importance of knowing the people around you and making them feel important.  When I worked for Dr. Strahorn, I truly felt valued as an employee and person.  He was approachable, genuine and kind.  Dr. Strahorn purposely tried to stay out of the spotlight and instead he knew where the spotlight should be:  on the students, the parents, the staff, the community and learning process.

Dr. Jackie Freeze & Dr. Karla Leach, WWCC, who have taught me about leadership and good administration at the Higher Education level.  Their insights, experiences and wisdom during my transition from K-12 level to the College Level have been invaluable.

My hope is that you will take some time to reflect on the mentoring experience in relation to your own life, and as Mr. Wooden states in his book, I hope you will accept the responsibility of being a mentor and a life-changing teacher. 

Yours in Education.  Dr. Lu Sweet