The Power of Mentor: Guidance That Shapes the Journey

 The Power of Mentor: Guidance That Shapes the Journey

There’s a moment in The Other Wes Moore, on page 179, where the author reflects on the pivotal role mentors played in changing the direction of his life. He doesn’t romanticize it, he says clearly that these mentors didn’t just “help” him; they demanded more from him. They didn’t settle for mediocrity, and they certainly didn’t allow him to settle for less than his best. This part of the book stayed with me because I saw myself in it. I know what it’s like to have someone believe in you enough to be honest, to push you, and to expect more, sometimes even more than you expect from yourself.

While I can’t say I’ve had a single mentor who’s been with me through everything, I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with people who showed up at just the right moment, whether it was a teacher, a coach, a family member, or even a friend’s parent. Still, one person stands out: Umair Raza. This person didn’t just give me advice, they gave me perspective. They didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear, but they always told me what I needed to hear. And more than anything else, they helped me see myself not just as I was, but as I could be.

I met Mr. Umair during a period when I was questioning a lot about school, about life, about whether I was even capable of achieving the goals I had set. I’d lost some of my motivation and was making excuses, saying things like “it’s just too hard” or “people like me don’t really make it that far.” They listened to all of that patiently, and then said something I’ll never forget: “You’re not wrong for being tired. You’re wrong for stopping here.”

That line hit me hard. Just like Wes in the book, I realized that growth often comes from discomfort. You don’t get better by staying comfortable, and you definitely don’t change your story by letting your circumstances write it for you. My mentor made me realize that while I couldn’t always control what was happening around me, I could control how I responded. That shift in mindset was huge for me.


Another key thing I learned from Mr. Umair was accountability. If I missed a deadline, they didn’t let it slide. If I gave a half-effort, they didn’t let me pretend it was good enough. But here’s the difference: they didn’t shame me. They challenged me. There’s a fine line between criticism and care, and good mentors know exactly how to walk it. That’s what makes their feedback powerful. It comes from a place of belief, not judgment.

I think what Wes Moore is really saying in this part of the book is that success doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes a network of people who see something in you, something you might not yet see in yourself. It takes people who understand the long game, who are willing to invest in you not because it’s easy, but because it matters. And those people, those mentors, leave a mark that lasts for years, even a lifetime.

Even now, I hear my mentor’s voice in my head when I’m tempted to procrastinate or when I doubt myself. I remember the lessons, the encouragement, the high expectations. I remember being told, “You’re capable of more,” and eventually starting to believe it.


And maybe that’s the greatest gift a mentor can give: belief. When the world tells you you’re just another face in the crowd, when your environment feels limiting, when your past tries to define your future, a mentor reminds you that you are more. That your story isn’t over. That the next chapter is still being written, and you get to hold the pen.

Wes Moore’s life could have gone in a very different direction, and so could mine. What made the difference for him, and for me, was the presence of someone who cared enough to get involved, to get real, and to demand better. Mentorship isn’t always glamorous. It’s not just praise and support. Sometimes it’s tough love. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable truth. But it’s always, always rooted in the hope that you can rise. And that’s what I carry with me every day, the belief that I can rise, and the responsibility to pass that belief on to someone else.


A reminder I carry with me everyday.


Comments

  1. Ezinne Igwe27 April 2025 at 08:15

    This blog post echoes the strong message of demanding mentorship that is emphasized in "The Other Wes Moore," eloquently demonstrating how people like Umair Raza can have a significant impact on a person's life by providing not only guidance but also a pivotal change in viewpoint and an unwavering faith in potential. The author skillfully conveys the delicate balance between challenge and support that characterizes successful mentoring, highlighting the transformational potential of a person who sees past our current limitations and instills the belief that we are capable of more. In the end, this composition is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of mentors who enable us to transcend our circumstances and accept the continuous story of our lives.

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  2. Brianna Melanson27 April 2025 at 14:07

    Hi! I love the part where you say your mentor taught you about accountability. That is definitely one of the most important personality traits that someone could have. Having someone as a mentor could be super helpful just like you said and could very well shape someones life for the better. It can be hard to hear and sometimes it sucks to be help accountable for the things they need to teach you but all ends up being for he better. Thank you so much for sharing you story and I'm glad you were able to learn and have mentors in your life!

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  3. RC27 April 2025 at 19:48

    I think that this is exactly what a mentor should be like. Your mentor clearly saw all of the potential that you had and made sure to push you so that you can strive towards it. And he didn't sugarcoat the things that weren't right. Like you said, he told you exactly what you NEEDED to hear. And it has changed your life.

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  4. Brittney Sanchez-Bueno28 April 2025 at 15:25

    Hey I really connected with what you wrote. You can tell how much your mentor shaped the way you see yourself and your future. I liked how you pointed out that real mentorship isn’t just about support, but about pushing you to be better. Your reflection made me think about the people in my life who’ve done the same for me. Thanks for sharing something so real

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