I am a big believer in mentoring and what it can do in a student’s life. To me mentoring is not about teaching a mentee about one’s life style or make a clone of one self, as what some people would say mentoring is about. To me mentoring is about building a relationship and helping another individual to realize his or her full potential and grow with a positive caring relationship. As a teacher, I am in a position where I can become a mentor to my students and help them through the rough times of adolescence. As a teacher, I have so many opportunities to help my students when they are down or going through rough times. By helping and being there for my students, the classroom will be more relax and open for learning. Also through mentoring, I am open to grow as well, by learning how to work with others and being a positive. I feel that mentoring allows for both the mentor and the mentee to grow together. We just need to remember that because we are the teacher, it does not mean we know everything. It is ok to tell a mentee that you do not know or have an answer. This will allow for both of you to learn something new together. Similarly, remember, your mentee can teach you something new as well. As a martial artist, we have a saying “Not every white belt is a beginner and not every black belt is an expert”. The meaning behind this quote is that we can learn something from a student and not even know it. Although they are students does not meant that we know more than they do. They have the ability to teach us as well. They can teach us about their interest and their passions; and who knows, you may walk away with a new passion or interest as well.