Patch Blog: College Advising—Finding an Inspiring Mentor

Many students start college “undecided.”  They don’t know what to major in or what they want to be when they “grow up.”  Finding those answers is a process of self-discovery, but oh, how nice it is to finally know those answers!  Maybe it’s not too early to start the process.  A great way to decide what you want to do in life is to look around you. If there is someone you know who has led the kind of life you would like to have, study that life. A great way to do this is to find a mentor.

If there is an elderly hero in your life, you’re fortunate indeed. Often grandparents hold secrets that you can really benefit from if you take the time to ask and listen.  By asking questions, listening, and even taking dictation from someone you admire, you can accomplish two things: You will learn the secrets, heroism and humor of a successful life, and you will create a document that you can give back to the person as a thank you gift.

Think about the most wonderful elderly person you know. Wouldn't they love having their life's triumphs written down? Wouldn't you like to know the secrets of their long life and successes? All you need to do is set up weekly meetings of an hour of so. If you're a fast typist, take your laptop or iPad to the interview. If you're not comfortable typing, take a digital recorder. You can transfer the audio to a disc later as your gift. Of course, a video recorder will also work, and it would be in living color!

By taking on this project and finishing it, you will learn so much about an everyday hero and what they did to make every day count. The added benefit of this kind of project is far richer then anything you'll be giving away. Amazingly enough, when the time comes for you to write your college essays, you’ll have a perspective that comes from a deep understanding of life. Also, this service will make you irresistible to admissions counselors!

All the best from Perfectfitcollege.Net