A Second Shot at Mentoring

Two years ago when I applied for the job of mentoring program coordinator. I was expecting so much from these mentoring relationships, I had never mentored anyone in my life.

When my program ended I asked myself if I would have been a good mentor. So I decided to try it.

WriteGirl gave me the sweetest mentee. Actually, I kinda stole her on the day of a workshop. I got my mentee, because of a little snafu. We were only supposed to be paired up for the day, but the moment that we met we agreed that we'll just be paired up for the year.

Our first couple of meetings have been the get to know you kind. She is ideal youth for every youth organization I can ever imagine. I just LOVE her!

She is actually helping me with my own writing, and has become an accidental writing partner. During our last meeting we were able to write together. We would choose writing prompts and then we would free write for ten minutes at a time. I'm teaching her how to do writing critiques, but she is a little apprehensive about it.

I wish I could have given the mentors in my program this same kind of experience. Maybe in another life and another time, I can help foster mentoring relationships. Right now, I'll just enjoy the one that I have.

Do the Good Girls Still Have a Chance?

The Recovering Psycho girlfriend could easily make 28 calls that go to voicemail in one sitting, kick a car in the middle of traffic, throw a bowl of ramen atsomeones head, and still manage to meet the gays later for drinks with a straight poker face. This crazy behavior comes with youth, and it's NOT cute.

There are many others like me, but they might missing word recovering. At first glance I can tell these women have a temperament that is hanging by a thread, and I shudder because some of these women are with really great guys. If you did your math right, there is not much left for the good girls. I'm thinking about turning psycho again.

Most guys say they don't want the psycho girl, but they continue to date them. I suppose it's because psycho sex is hot, but if the rest of the non-sexy time is just crying and screaming, what gives? There are men that I've dated that seem to be more intrigued with my psycho past, rather than my quest to be a good peace seeking woman. Do the single ladies need to add some psycho to get a man to be loyal?

I am troubled. I haven't found my answer. Lets discuss.

Ole

I wish it was my dream to be a school teacher, a chemical engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, or something technical and secure.

Since I was a child I've always relied on my creativity to get me by. I wanted to be writer the moment I got an A on my very first essay. My teacher was one of the meanest teachers I've ever had, but her validation has lead me to one of the most insecure career paths, that I know I have to take.

18 year years later I still flail in the dark in order to find that same validation. I know myself better than I know my future, and that's all I can really rely on.

Thank you Miss Gilbert. I have a love/hate relationship with your book, but you gave me the words that I needed to hear.

Ole.