The Mentor’s Journey: How Helping Others Helps You Grow
Growing up in The Bahamas, I often heard my grandfather share wisdom in the form of Bahamian proverbs. Two sayings, in particular, stuck with me:
1. “Be careful how you treat people because pigs can grow into hogs.”
2. “Manners and respect will take you around the world.”
The first reminds us that the way we treat others—especially when they’re vulnerable—can shape the future. The second reinforces the value of respect and courtesy as tools for building connections and opening doors.
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of these lessons. As a hard-headed teenager and young adult, my focus was mostly on myself—what I wanted, what I deserved, and what others could do for me. It wasn’t until I embraced mentorship that I began to understand my grandfather’s wisdom. Helping others turned out to be one of the most transformative things I could do—not just for them, but for myself.
The Chaos Before the Clarity
In my twenties (and even into my thirties), life felt chaotic. I often wished I’d had the principles from From Stuck to Unstoppable already figured out. But looking back, I realize that chaos was necessary for growth. Without those years of trial and error, I wouldn’t have had the “aha” moments that led to lasting change.
Much of that clarity came through mentorship. As a youth leader at my church and later as a facilitator for the Youth Environmental Ambassador Program with Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save the Bays, I spent years guiding young minds. What I didn’t expect was how much they would teach me in return.
Lessons from Mentorship
Working with youth pushed me to simplify complex ideas, making them digestible for my audience. Whether I was teaching leadership principles or environmental topics, the process of breaking down information made me more proficient and confident in my own knowledge.
But mentorship didn’t just hone my teaching skills—it also reshaped my mindset. Through the repetition of key concepts, I internalized lessons about discipline, empathy, and purpose. Giving my time and talent to others helped me uncover my true calling: simplifying content, inspiring growth, and creating tools that empower others to succeed.
One of the biggest realizations I had was this: when you give to others, you receive far more in return. Mentorship allowed me to see the world through a lens of service rather than self-interest. It taught me patience, humility, and the joy of watching others succeed.
In the 12-plus years I’ve worked as a facilitator, there are a few instances that really stand out to me—moments of breakthrough that stay etched in my memory. One such moment came in the early years of my journey. A young man walked through our doors, visibly shy and unsure of himself. Like many others, he came from a traditional classroom environment where lectures were often dictated rather than taught interactively. He was far from comfortable in our hands-on, leadership-focused approach.
For months, he struggled with the idea of stepping outside his comfort zone. But through persistence, encouragement, and the immersive activities we introduced, something remarkable happened. He not only faced his fear of standing in front of others but delivered an incredible presentation to the group.
Watching him transform from a timid, uncertain participant into a confident speaker was a breakthrough moment—not just for him, but for me as well. It was a vivid reminder of why I do what I do.
Moments like these underscore the power of mentorship. They reaffirm that when you invest in others, the rewards are immeasurable. You witness not only their growth but also your own evolution as a guide, a teacher, and a lifelong learner.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
If I hadn’t taken the time to mentor, I might still be searching for my purpose. Those moments of connection—whether it was guiding a teenager through a leadership challenge or helping someone discover their passion for environmental stewardship—were like mirrors reflecting my own potential.
Mentorship showed me that true growth doesn’t come from focusing on yourself. It comes from pouring into others, helping them rise, and in doing so, elevating yourself.
Final Thoughts
My grandfather’s words hold more meaning for me now than ever before. The way you treat others—whether it’s with kindness, respect, or mentorship—has a way of coming back to you. When you invest in others, you also invest in your own growth.
If you’re searching for clarity or purpose, I encourage you to step into a mentorship role. Whether it’s in your community, workplace, or even within your family, the act of guiding someone else might just lead you to the answers you’ve been seeking.
