"My mentor helped me get back on track" - Abdoul's story

"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” - Bob Proctor

The first time I had a mentor was in the summer of 2022 through Breadwinners Risers Programe. At that time, I was wiped out not only because of the new place I was living in with no family members but also because I could not find any friends to hang out with. As a result, I lost my confidence and started feeling depressed and anxious. But as someone wisely said, "no one can change your situation but you".

Immediately, I knew I needed someone to help me gain back my confidence so that I can contribute to making a difference in my new community because I strongly believe that wherever you live is where you belong to. Therefore, you must invest and contribute to society no matter your circumstances. I started looking for a mentorship programme on Google and came across Breadwinners. As soon as I joined their Risers Programme, I was assigned a mentor, an inspiring and amazing human being, Natalie Richards, who helped me get back on track.

Below are four reasons why you should have a mentor:

1. A mentor is a guide.

You might be in a position where you are not sure about what you want to become in life, and what steps you need to take to achieve your objectives. A mentor can help you set a clear plan to achieve your goals.

That's what the Risers Programme offered me using the “Outcome Star”, an effective tool that helped me identify areas in which I was doing well and areas I needed improvements. 

For me, being an effective communicator is one of my top priorities. So, during the program, my mentor suggested I attend not only as many public speaking events as possible but also encouraged me to volunteer to speak. Since then I've spoken in more than 10 public speaking events including at the Social Enterprise UK Awards 2022 in front of hundreds of people on behalf of Breadwinners. 

2. A mentor can help you improve your well-being.

"The key to a healthy life is having a healthy mind." - Richard Davidson 

You might be experiencing depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues as I've experienced before. A mentor can help you overcome this so that you can start living a free-mental-health-issues life. Your mentor might not be a mental health professional, but they can use their experience to signpost you to other people or organizations that might be able to give you the support you may need.

3. A mentor is a confidence builder.

If you are a human being, which I am sure you are, at some point in life you are going to lose your confidence due to the challenges of life. You are going to want to give up on your dreams and ambitions. If you find yourself in that situation, I suggest you find a mentor to help you get back on track.

One expression my mentor Natalie told me that turned my lack of confidence around was " you are a very talented young man and I think you are already a leader ". She said that to me at a time when I was finding it very hard to cope with the challenges of life, including a lack of self-esteem. But hearing that from her changed my own view of myself. Sometimes you may doubt yourself despite your talent and abilities, and a mentor can help you get rid of that so that you can start seeing yourself more positively.

4. A mentor can help you expand your network.

“There are three kinds of people; those who watch things happen, those who make things happen and those who do not know what's happening.” - An American proverb.

Mentors have a great network of quality people, therefore, can help you become part of a community of successful individuals. I do not know for you but I have always wanted to be part of the second kind of people - those who make things happen. Since then (end of mentoring program), my network of quality people is growing at an incredible speed. If you identify with me, I suggest you find a mentor to help you out.

All in all, whatever challenges or difficulties you are facing right now, they can be solved and turned into opportunities for growth with the help of a mentor.

Did you enjoy this article? do not hesitate to share it with your network. SALAM!

Written by our passionate Risers Graduate Abdoul on his LinkedIn blog. Abdoul has been supporting us since last summer as a Breadwinners Ambassador and recently served as our PAR Research Lead for our latest 2022 Impact Report!

Would you like to become a mentor? We are currently looking for volunteers for our next cohort of Risers in London and Brighton starting late April for 8 consecutive weeks! Group interviews are taking place in less than than 1 week so it’s not too late to apply! Click on the hyperlinks for your city of choice to sign up! We look forward to hearing from you! 🧡