By Bernadette Johnson
“When embarking on a journey, never ask directions from someone who has never left home.” ~Chinese Proverb
I was asked to share why I chose to be a mentor. Ironically, I found that I was unable to share my “why” without first exploring my personal mentoring experience. Being raised by a single working parent in an inner city environment created the need for mentors. This environment is fertile ground for making choices that may not serve your greatest self. My mentors, when I was growing up taught me to respect myself, be an independent thinker, a leader and instilled the thought of I could do anything if I put my mind to it.