HERE IS SOME ADVICE YOU NEVER REQUESTED
Over the years, I have written occasionally about the role of being a mentor for my students versus being a pure teacher. Personally, I prefer to be open to mentoring for those students who might want it. I think many of them like knowing that there is some rather disinterested person available that they can go to and simply say �I need some advice.� For example, a former student wandered into my office a few days ago who was interested in talking about Teach for America. This was a decision that had stressed her out and she began to cry. We chatted for 10-15 minutes. She didn�t leave dancing or singing but at least she wasn�t crying. I did not mind listening and giving my opinion. But, at other times, I want to be a mentor to my students without even being asked. I want to butt into their lives just a little bit�especially as it deals with college and their education. Without any request, I ...