who was your mentor?

[emarsh]

In my varied career I have been fortunate to have learned about different important aspects of life, including my trade. Since I will be turning the big FIVE-OH next week, I have found myself looking back at some of the wonderful people that helped shape my life & personality. I always chose to work with an elder whenever I had a chance. Most of these people are now gone, does anyone else ever wish somehow they could reach out and thank these persons who we learned so much from? I wish there was a way (like they do at the academy awards) to publicly acknowledge the people who I feel most influenced me in a positive way.

 

[The patriot]

Without a doubt.....

Beavis and Butthead!!

Eric

#ad

 

[The patriot]

#ad

 

[emarsh]

What the heck? No replies? Even a big guy like me gets sentimental some times. I guess too many macho types to admit they may be human. Thought this would be one of those Doc Tinker type things one might contimplate.

 

[Bigsaint]

Uncle Sams Misguided Children, there is no substitute. I wish I could say it was my father, grandfather, etc. , but I learned my most valuable life lessons when in the Corps. I can't really pick out one Marine as being the most prominent, just the stock values I learned while active duty. I will always have a Eagle, Globe and Anchor on my vehicle, as a symbol of my faith.



Scott W.

 

[Charley]

Like Bigsaint I learned my life's most valuable lessons in the Corps. I'm 67, have enphysmea, can't walk very far and am a tired old fart. However if called to duty, I'll go. Once one, always one.



There are many others I owe. Like emarsh said, I wish I could thank them all. One thing that sticks in my mind above most is when a boss called me in to offer me a promotion. I told him I wasn't sure if I could do the job. He told me that he knew I could. He said "you know things you don't know you know. " I've thought about that many times and finally decided he was right. I'm the Project Manager now and still work every day.



Charley

 

[Wayne M.]

Good topic

As far as dealing with life in general, I was my own coach most of the time since I didn't much care for the way my peers treated themselves. I guess I watched my Dad and emulated him. I think that's kinda why I am who I am today .

In my trade as an auto/ truck Mechanic- it's different. Yes, there were more guys who would watch me hang as a rookie than help, but there was the guy who showed me how to read a micrometer, the guy who showed me the right way to use a torque wrench, the guy who saved my life by showing me the correct way to support a class 8 truck on stands, and the shop teacher who had to sit there and ram into my head the principle of how air enters the 4 stroke engine during the intake stroke (absence of atmospheric pressure) because I seemed to care. These were all different Men who were older and had been around. Some are gone, some are retired. I always remember who gave me what, and I thank them- when I see them. I think the best deal would be is to pass on what I've learned to a kid who can benefit from mentoring like I have had.



Come to think of it, most people I'm thinking of are Dad's



HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!