THE MENTORING VOCATION
Contributed by Tom Reynolds
Charnette Lewis, an instrumental mentor and trainer at Image Impact International for the last four years, began her professional career at New York Life as an accountant, from which she recently retired after thirty-six years of service. Yet, she was called to a mentoring vocation while attending church services at her home parish of Christ The King in Jersey City. Charnette’s decision to volunteer to help the youth of her parish was the beginning of a thirty-year, and counting, commitment to mentoring. “From my first day, mentoring the youth and seeing them develop has been a wonderful experience,” Charnette said.
In addition, being legally blind due to glaucoma that developed six years ago, Charnette is especially empathetic to students with disabilities. “It has definitely made me more aware of, and sensitive to, those with disabilities.” She is a strong proponent of making the world easier for those who struggle with similar ailments.
In addition, being legally blind due to glaucoma that developed six years ago, Charnette is especially empathetic to students with disabilities. “It has definitely made me more aware of, and sensitive to, those with disabilities.” She is a strong proponent of making the world easier for those who struggle with similar ailments.
“New York Life was extremely accommodating to me after my sight diminished. They provided me with a larger monitor and allowed me to use different fonts and colors. I am looking to help those like me as best I can.”
While mentoring youth at Christ The King, Charnette became aware of Toastmasters International, a non-profit that specializes in teaching leadership and communication skills. While at Toastmasters International, she met two individuals who ended up having a tremendous impact on her life; Elaine Rogers and Pamela Judd, the latter being the immediate Past President of Image Impact International. Elaine Rogers was Charnette’s mentor at Toastmasters and Pamela ended up introducing her to Image Impact. Both individuals influenced and inspired Charnette, who in turn is greatly influencing and inspiring college aged kids at Image Impact International. |
Charnette credits much of her success as a mentor, and the satisfaction she receives from being one, to having an open and honest relationship with a mentee. As the coach and advisor of a young adult, she maintains it is crucial to set challenging, yet realistic goals. Being accountable to the person you are mentoring, proving to them they can depend and rely on you, is of the utmost importance. When trust is developed, the mentee garners exponentially more from the advice being given. “As a mentor, it is imperative that I follow through on promises. I am a role model for the individual I am guiding. I need to be a shining example of what to do, how to act, and to not disappoint. In addition, it’s okay if I don’t have an expertise in a particular area. Being genuine is crucial in developing trust. The last thing I want to do is mislead someone, or give them bad advice.”
At the same time, openness and flexibility is a two-way street. It is equally as important for a mentee to be honest with their mentor. To communicate what they like, what they don’t enjoy, and what they are looking to achieve. “It’s okay if goals change during the course of a mentor-mentee relationship,” Charnette emphasized. “It is crucial that a mentor listen to the mentee. Otherwise, the mentor may try to steer the mentee in the wrong direction, causing the student to lose interest in the relationship and the program.”
At the same time, openness and flexibility is a two-way street. It is equally as important for a mentee to be honest with their mentor. To communicate what they like, what they don’t enjoy, and what they are looking to achieve. “It’s okay if goals change during the course of a mentor-mentee relationship,” Charnette emphasized. “It is crucial that a mentor listen to the mentee. Otherwise, the mentor may try to steer the mentee in the wrong direction, causing the student to lose interest in the relationship and the program.”