What "Mentor" Means to Me

When I first started learning the ropes to become a freelance writer several places suggested finding a mentor. This would be someone who has been where you are and done what you do. They could give you an idea of what happens next, what works, and what doesn't.

It was a brilliant piece of advice and one I took to heart. I forged relationships with several people in this arena. Some were peers, some were professionals, and some were just individuals I admired. It really helped get me started and has kept me on track.

But there was something that no one told me about the "mentor" process. What happens when the tables are turned?

I didn't do it on purpose. I didn't set out to find other writers just starting out. It happened with a simple Facebook message. A friend was looking to get started in freelance writing and asked how I did it. I shared my methods, my ideas, how to write letters, what to send to whom, and anything else that came to mind. 

I am proud of what I have accomplished working for myself so I was happy to share what I knew with someone else. It felt good o share this with someone else.

A few months ago, a client was looking for additional writers. I suggested my friend. She also writes for them now.

So today, delivered to my door, was the most thoughtful and sweetest gesture I could have imagined.

The card reads:

Because you are the reason when people ask what I do for a living I can say, "I'm a writer."

In that moment when I opened the box and read the card I really realized what kind of impact just one person can have. I am so grateful for all the help people gave me when I was getting started and I am grateful again that I can pay it forward just a little bit.

Thank you, Suzannah, for making me remember why I do what I do.