Like a steady drumbeat, the remarkable nature of high school students and those who mentor them was highlighted for me over three successive evenings last week.
A week ago, at the Northern Michigan Mathematics, Engineering & Science Symposium, my wife and I visited the Hagerty Center to support our son and his classmates. At this event, a collection of students representing multiple ages and schools displayed their scientific endeavors to both the public and to an impressive set of volunteer judges with vast industry-specific experience.
From the venue to the spread of food, donated materials, equipment and awards made possible by generous adults and their businesses, the kids knew they produced important and valuable work. The symposium presented an opportunity for these students to interact with adults who clearly care about those who are next in line, as they say.
The following night, we attended the TCAPS’ Music Boosters annual benefit concert that brilliantly showcased both the middle school and high school music programs. From fantastic solos to large, multi-school, combined performances, these talented students and – yes, once again – dedicated adults helped produce a wonderful exhibition of student talent and the benefits of training.
What particularly caught my attention that evening were the usual retirement announcements of a few veteran music teachers. Surrounded by hundreds of already-accomplished young musicians and their families, it was clear that these teachers felt the importance of their careers.
When each teacher walked up to accept a bouquet, I envisioned the many thousands of kids they had inspired over the last three decades. From their visible emotion, you could see these teachers fully grasped the meaningful mentorship they provided to a very long list of students.
This very next night, I heard the loudest drumbeat marking the power of adult mentorship. In celebration of their recent state championship and 8th place finish at the world championship, the FIRST Robotics Competition program largely made up of students from TCAPS’ Central High School held a jaw-dropping season wrap-up dinner.
The FIRST robotics program is designed around extensive adult mentorship like few programs are today. The countless hours spent by busy adults with these students and the real-life professional knowledge transfer is something to behold.
Over the two-hour dinner and presentation, the two-way street of the experience became apparent. The mentors received as much as they gave to these students. And, that’s saying a lot, because these mentors gave a lot.
At each of these events, night after night after night, I watched students – very capable young adults, really – show they can accomplish great things with the help of meaningful mentorship. As we mark the end of another school year, I would like to officially salute all of the mentors – both the volunteers and the professionals – who show us and their students what’s possible with the power of mentorship.
May 26, 2015 | Jason P. Tank, CFA
