Mentor roles generally fall into two categories:

• Helping young people achieve educational or career goals;
  
• Enhancing the students' awareness and belief in their own potential.

Mentors are commonly described as:

• Teachers
  
• Positive role models
  
• Sponsors
  
• Advocates
  
• Coaches
  
• Counselors
  
• And of course, friends

Mentors can be become involved in a variety of activities to develop a mentee's full potential:

• Academic support
  
• Personal growth and development
  
• Development of self esteem and self confidence
  
• Career development

Whenever Possible:

• Identify your mentee's talents, strengths and assets;
  
• Give recognition for effort or improvement;
  
• Show appreciation for the contributions of your mentee;
  
• Demonstrate confidence and faith in your student;
  
• Suggest small steps in new or difficult tasks;
  
• Have reasonable expectations;
  
• Help your mentee use mistakes as learning experiences.