Isn’t it exciting to meet friends of those we mentor?

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Dustin, Bill, Cortez & Marcus“Mr. Roddy, would you be willing to meet a few of my friends”? ~ Marcus A.

 

Mentoring young men is a component of my life’s mission.  Their willingness to share their experiences with their friends is fulfilling to observe.   It’s honorable when a young man shares his experiences with others.

 

“Mr. Roddy, I know you’re really busy running your business and spending time with me but I would like you to meet one of my best friends who could use your advice.” Boone W.”

 

I’ve experienced some of the most fulfilling moments as a mentor by meeting friends of the mentees.  They want to share the love.

 

Do we as mentors feel uplifted when those we mentor invite us to meet their friends?

 

 

Isn’t it fulfilling to observe the growth in those you love?

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Henry & Bill Reconnection 12.30.14

“I want to grow. I want to be better. You Grow. We all grow. We’re made to grow. You either evolve or you disappear.” 

~ Tupac  Shakur

Growth  groth / noun

1. The process of growing,  A stage in the process of growing,  Full development: MATURITY.

 

“Hey Mr. Roddy, I’ll be in town next week for a few days and would love to meet with you.  I have lots of great news to share.” ~ H.S.

I’ve had many topics of discussion that encompass manhood development with the young men I’ve mentored.  When they update me on their lives and the growth they’ve experienced over the years I reminisce over the conversations we had.

“Mr. Roddy,  thanks for meeting with me.  I just want to let you know that I’married.  I am living out of state now, working and my spouse and I have big plans for our lives.

“I want to let you know that I learned so much from Mrs. Roddy and you.  I’ve applied much of what I observed from you as an adult man.”

Being part of young mens’ growth, maturity, and transition into manhood is fulfilling.  Hearing about their marriages is special to me.  As a married man I know the value my wife has added to my life. To know that just by observing me, they have a good platform in which to start their journey together as a committed couple.

 

Doesn’t it give us confidence to know that those we love and mentor are truly watching and are influenced by our behavior?

College sports and defining moments

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Coach Tauer & Bill Roddy

Coach John Tauer & Bill Roddy

What was a defining moment in your life as a young man?

For me, it was my freshman year in college.  I felt frustrated adapting to a new environment, the demands of playing  varsity basketball and the academic demands of a division III private university. It was during those difficult times as a freshman when alumni reached out to help with my transition.  John “Lew” Morin, a basketball alumni, spent countless hours riding to and from games talking to me about life–older, more experienced man lifting up a young man intent on making his way through college and life!

Bill, I know it frustrating adapting to a new environment.  You have a wonderful opportunity to get a great education, develop life-long relationships with other students from all corners of the world and to represent the university.”  ~ John “Lew” Morin

Coach Fritz, Bill

Coach Steve Fritz, Bill Roddy & John “Lew” Morin

This week I received the 2014 Basketball Alumni of The Year from the University of St. Thomas.  This award invoked memories that I cherish. Coaches and other basketball alumni mentored me. Now I find myself being honored. However, I feel most honored in my current role as a mentor for several current University of St. Thomas basketball team members!

Thanks Coach Fritz, Coach John Tauer and Marcus Alipate for being in my life!

Marcus A. & Bill Roddy

Wouldn’t you agree that one of most important things we take from college are the life-long relationship we develop?

 

Couldn’t relevant stories be used to inspire youth to enjoy reading?

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Romeo Academy Youth

ROMEO Preparatory Academy for Boys, Paris Texas

125sqMFTHbookWhile writing my memoir, Manhood From the Hood, I experienced emotions most memoir writers experience.  How will my story benefit others? Will others relate? There were a multitude of internal directed questions I had to face as a new writer.

One inspirational comment came from a youth I’m mentoring:

“Mr. Roddy, I enjoyed reading your book.  I learn so much more about you and how you were raised.  I was able to relate to all of your stories. I liked your honesty when you shared meeting your biological father for the first time. So many of us young men still struggle with this aspect of our lives. Why don’t you try to see if schools would consider using your book?”

 

Manhood From the Hood has received praise from ROMEO Preparatory Academy for Boys in Paris, Texas under the leadership of David DeWayne Barker, to inspire youth to the value of literacy, reading relevant stories that reflect their lives.

 

Couldn’t hundreds or thousands  more youth be inspired to value literacy while reading relevant life stories?