Most students in campus are trying to figure life out alone. But the truth is the students who grow faster usually have one thing others don’t: a mentor. When we think about a mentor, what do we usually picture? Most people imagine someone older, wiser, and full of years of experience. While that can be true, mentorship is not limited to age. A mentor can be your aunt, uncle, a senior student, a leader, a lecturer, the school counselor, or anyone within your environment who guides you toward growth. ‎Unfortunately, many students don't value having a mentor. Some think, “Why should I have someone advising me when everyone in my life already does?” Others feel like mentorship is a test — opening up, answering to someone, or sharing problems they believe they can handle alone. But what many of us overlook is how much we actually need mentors. ‎Here’s why: ‎1. To give advice ‎A mentor gives guidance based on experience. They may have seen people go through the same situations you are facing or even experienced them personally. Their advice can help you avoid mistakes and make wiser decisions. ‎2. To give you roots ‎A good mentor truly knows you. There are moments in life when we lose focus, forget who we are, or drift away from our goals. Mentors remind us of our purpose, our values, and the direction we should be heading. They help ground us. ‎3. They provide accountability ‎As students surrounded by peers, we often conform to other people’s lifestyles. A mentor introduces a sense of responsibility. Imagine going out with friends intending to get wasted, then suddenly spotting your mentor sitting quietly in a corner enjoying a soft drink. Chances are, you would rethink your choices — or at least tone things down. That quiet presence alone can influence your decisions. ‎4. A sense of parentage ‎Mentors often carry a parental presence. They provide support and offer a shoulder to lean on when things become overwhelming. With a mentor, you feel safe, heard, understood, and encouraged to keep going. ‎5. Networking opportunities ‎Mentors are also connectors. They may introduce you to opportunities you never knew existed. They can recommend you for roles, link you with useful people, or guide you toward spaces where you can grow and thrive. Sometimes one introduction from a mentor can change your entire path. ‎ ‎Mentorship is not about control — it’s about guidance. The right mentor doesn't live your life for you. They simply shine a light on the path so you can walk it with more clarity. Every student should consider finding at least one mentor. ‎Because sometimes, the difference between confusion and direction is simply someone who has walked the road before you.

Most students in campus are trying to figure life out alone. But the truth is the students who grow faster usually have one thing others don’t: a mentor. When we think about a mentor, what do we usually picture? Most people imagine someone older, wiser, and full of years of experience. While that can be true, mentorship is not limited to age. A mentor can be your aunt, uncle, a senior student, a leader, a lecturer, the school counselor, or anyone within your environment who guides you toward growth. ‎Unfortunately, many students don't value having a mentor. Some think, “Why should I have someone advising me when everyone in my life already does?” Others feel like mentorship is a test — opening up, answering to someone, or sharing problems they believe they can handle alone. But what many of us overlook is how much we actually need mentors. ‎Here’s why: ‎1. To give advice ‎A mentor gives guidance based on experience. They may have seen people go through the same situations you are facing or even experienced them personally. Their advice can help you avoid mistakes and make wiser decisions. ‎2. To give you roots ‎A good mentor truly knows you. There are moments in life when we lose focus, forget who we are, or drift away from our goals. Mentors remind us of our purpose, our values, and the direction we should be heading. They help ground us. ‎3. They provide accountability ‎As students surrounded by peers, we often conform to other people’s lifestyles. A mentor introduces a sense of responsibility. Imagine going out with friends intending to get wasted, then suddenly spotting your mentor sitting quietly in a corner enjoying a soft drink. Chances are, you would rethink your choices — or at least tone things down. That quiet presence alone can influence your decisions. ‎4. A sense of parentage ‎Mentors often carry a parental presence. They provide support and offer a shoulder to lean on when things become overwhelming. With a mentor, you feel safe, heard, understood, and encouraged to keep going. ‎5. Networking opportunities ‎Mentors are also connectors. They may introduce you to opportunities you never knew existed. They can recommend you for roles, link you with useful people, or guide you toward spaces where you can grow and thrive. Sometimes one introduction from a mentor can change your entire path. ‎ ‎Mentorship is not about control — it’s about guidance. The right mentor doesn't live your life for you. They simply shine a light on the path so you can walk it with more clarity. Every student should consider finding at least one mentor. ‎Because sometimes, the difference between confusion and direction is simply someone who has walked the road before you.