Me and the Princes Trust have a love hate relationship apparently. 3 failed attempts later and I still don’t work for the charity. Interview feedback has always been fantastic but my bloody nerves seem to get the better of me, I guess that happens when you are passionate about something.
For those of you that aren’t aware of the Princes Trust they are a youth charity that helps young people aged 11 to 30 into jobs, education and training. They offer free courses and opportunities to help unemployed and struggling people to transform their lives. They help them develop key skills while boosting their confidence and motivation so they can continue to dream big.
Many of the young people they help are in, or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health issues, or have been in trouble with the law.
Mentors are a huge part of the princes trust and have a massive influential impact. They are the ones that work alongside the young people, directly impacting their lives and decisions. It got me thinking about all the wonderful people who have impacted my life and mentored me without me even realising. There are many people who have influenced my life, too many for me to name them all but there is one person who has been the perfect role model, mentor, friend and parent. That would be my mum.
Without doubt my mum has been my biggest mentor and still to this day she inspires me to be and do better. She raised me and my sisters whilst working 18hour days to give us the life she had always dreamed off. She didn’t have the greatest start to life having lost her own mother at a very young age and spent years in care, many times separated from her siblings. She didn’t let this stop her though as she worked relentlessly to get the life she wanted and to bring us up with the belief that anything is possible if you work hard enough to make it happen. Whilst growing up she gave us everything she missed out on as a child and installed great lessons and morals.
My mum is now currently a foster carer and has been for the last 4 years. She welcomes children into her home making them feel comfortable and wanted instantly. I personally have seen the difference she has made to many young lives. She continues daily to teach me ways to be better and to inspire me to help others and try and make a difference. And for that I am forever grateful to have such a superstar mum as my biggest mentor.
We can all try and make a difference to people less fortunate in both small and large gestures. There are tons of volunteer opportunities available to do a number of things. I am starting mentoring young people myself next week and I can’t wait to get started (but that’s a story for another day).
On Tuesday the 6th of March the Princes Trust is having an awards night to celebrate all the young people and how much they have achieved. Definitely go online and read some of their success stories, it will fill your heart with love and happiness, I guarantee it!
I’d love to here who has mentored and inspired you in life, whether it be a family member, a friend, a celebrity or a stranger. Share your stories with us!
Until next time,
G.
#youthcandoit
(Here’s a picture of my mum being the party animal that she is!)
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