Mentors outside of the family

Hi everyone, this is a great website! I heard Mariela Dabbah present at Columbia University today and she spoke about how Latinos don't look for mentors outside their families and I think that's a key point if they are going to go to College and succeed. Any suggestions on how kids in NYC can find mentors outside their families when that's the only thing they know and culturally what they feel comfortable with?

Hello!

How fortunate that you were able to hear Mariela speak! Isn't she great?!

Seeking a mentor outside the family can seem intimidating. But, when you ask someone to be your mentor, it is a huge compliment and honor to them! They will likely be very willing to help you however they can. Some ideas for mentors include:
*A teacher at school you know well or who teaches a subject that interests you
*A religious leader such as a priest, pastor, or youth group leader
*A neighbor or local person who has a career that interests you (a lawyer if you're interested in law, an IT professional if you like computers, etc.)
*A coach
*A manager/leader at work

There are also some organizations who you may want to turn to for mentorship. Some provide programs for high school students and give guidance in regards to the college process. You may want to visit some of the following:

Hispanic Heritage Foundation (www.hispanicheritage.org)
Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE, www.hace-usa.org)
INROADS (www.inroads.org)

I hope this helps! Mentors are a very valuable asset in many aspects of life.

Best,
Amber George

Thanks Amber,
I'll try and approach a couple of people. I'm interested in finance. Do you think if I ask the bank manager of a local bank they may find it weird? And what do I say? I need a mentor? that's what I'm having difficulty with.

Here are a few tips to help you with the conversation:

I would first ask a prospective mentor if they would be willing to set up a short informational interview with you. Tell them where you are in school (high school senior getting ready for college, college freshman deciding on a major, getting ready to graduate college, etc.) and that you are interested in finance and believe they would be able to provide some great advice to you for your future. Suggest something like a 30 minute discussion over coffee. During the conversation you can ask them about their education, career, triumphs/struggles, community involvement, etc. People love to talk about themselves so I'm sure you'll get a lot of useful information here.

At the end of the interview, if you feel they would be a good mentor for you, tell them that you really admire them and their accomplishments and would be honored if they would be your mentor. Let them know why you want a mentor and what you hope to learn from them.

I hope this helps. I am sure you will be able to find someone who will be a great mentor for you!
Best,
Amber George