Dr. Katherine Bihr shares the power and purpose of a mentor

Last fall, TGR Foundation welcomed 25 college freshmen to the Earl Woods Scholar Program. Each scholar is matched with a dedicated mentor who will support and guide them through their college years and beyond. The mentorship component of the program has proven to be both valuable and memorable for our students, particularly those that leave home for the first time.

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study confirms that 98% of millennials believe working with a mentor is a necessary component in development. Put simply, people rely on humans because they can interpret, synthesize, express and convey needed information better than technology or any Google search. Mentors share their experiences, and that makes the learning personal and therefore memorable.

Mentoring involves asking smart questions and listening. Mentors provide a thoughtful and candid storytelling of what they did, why they did it and what they learned. Equally important is the translation of that experience into language the scholars can readily understand and apply.

For students who are the first in their families to go to college, a strong mentor can be the guiding force needed to ensure a successful experience. As a mentor, the habits, practices and beliefs that are shared help increase the odds that our scholars will be successful in their college and career journeys.

TGR Foundation mentors follow a long-standing tradition of serving 100% of our Earl Woods Scholars. This year each of our mentors across the nation will be providing sage advice, a listening ear and sometimes just a welcome and break from the rigors of higher education.

To learn more about the Earl Woods Scholar Program or receive information about becoming a mentor, contact Lea Segura at lsegura@tgrfoundation.org.

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