In a quiet corner of Kirkintilloch High School library, something incredible is happening.
Kyle, once a shy boy, who has dyslexia and limited confidence, is now mapping out his future – both literally and figuratively – using a map of Middle-earth as his guide.
When he and his mentor Gerry first met over a year ago, Kyle had already decided he wanted to leave school at the soonest opportunity to become a bricklayer. What Kyle was lacking were the skills and confidence to help him through this next chapter of his life.
“When I first met Kyle, he was a bit shy and wanted to leave school early to pursue a physically demanding career in construction,” his mentor Gerry explains. “I felt it was very important for Kyle to understand the importance and value of having a mentor and building friends and allies to help him overcome the physical and emotional challenges and responsibilities he would soon face.”
The solution came in an unexpected form: J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Rather than the more conventional mentoring conversations, Kyle and Gerry embarked on their own epic journey through Middle-earth, using the films as a powerful metaphor for Kyle’s own life path.
“The Lord of the Rings shows numerous examples of the importance of having a mentor, friends and allies,” Gerry says. “It reveals how with help and support from others, we can grow in competence, confidence and resilience and take on more responsibility.”
Together, the pair used physical maps to map the heroes’ journey through Middle-earth, drawing comparisons between the challenges faced by the protagonist Frodo, and those faced by Kyle himself. By choosing to analyse the films instead of the books, Gerry thoughtfully accommodated Kyle’s dyslexia, while keeping the exercise engaging and entertaining.
In doing this, Gerry created a space in which abstract concepts transformed into tangible life lessons. The “Hero’s Journey” archetype became a framework to understand personal growth. While Frodo’s reliance on friends and mentors throughout the series – from his mentor Gandalf’s wisdom to his friend Sam’s unwavering loyalty – illustrated the importance of building meaningful connections.
Gerry also ingeniously connected “The Lord of the Rings” to practical communication techniques, introducing what Gerry refers to as the “ARC” model (Affinity/Reality/Communication) to show how initiating appropriate conversation can aid in making friends and allies.
After just over a year of mentoring, Kyle has secured a place at college to study construction, taking concrete steps towards his career goals. More importantly, Kyle’s social skills, confidence and interpersonal skills have all flourished.
“I feel sad that our mentoring year has come to an end,” Gerry reflects. “But I have a lot of faith in Kyle. I feel that if he continues to develop his social skills, then when these are combined with his natural inner strength, he will be both happy and successful in the future.”
Kyle and Gerry’s relationship embodies the mission of MCR Pathways, and the powerful impact of mentoring. What began as conversations about a fantasy journey transformed into very real capabilities and skills, and real-world confidence that will aid Kyle in his own life journey.
For Gerry, the experience has reinforced the profound impact of having a consistent presence in a young person’s life. “I appreciate more the value of just being there for someone and being yourself,” he says.
“I guess the main benefit to the mentee is knowing that someone is there for them. I feel the main benefit to the mentor is understanding that true happiness only comes from helping other people.”
When asked what inspired him to sign up as an MCR Pathways mentor, Gerry’s answer highlights the personal experience that so many of our mentors bring to their roles: “Reflecting on my own experience at high school, I feel that I would have benefited greatly from having a mentor, so I wanted to give a high school pupil that support.”
His advice to those new to mentoring reflects the wisdom gained throughout Gerry’s own journey: “It’s important to be your authentic, positive self; play to your strengths and treat your mentee as a young adult, but be patient and always remember what you were like at 15.”
When asked what he would say to those considering becoming a mentor, he offers this advice: “If you can combine a positive outlook with patience, you will find mentoring very rewarding.”
Kyle and Gerry’s story represents just one of the transformative journeys happening across our schools every day. Much like the heroes of “The Lord of the Rings”, each of our mentors and young people craft their own unique path of growth and discovery throughout their time together. And, as Kyle’s story demonstrates, some of the most meaningful adventures are those that help others to find their way.
If you feel inspired by Kyle and Gerry’s story, sign up to be an MCR Pathways mentor here: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
