It’s time to meet another Weegie Hero. Tricia McShane, a Wheatley employee, mentor of one year, and inspired YGT advocate! Tricia recently went above and beyond for YGT, by representing Wheatley Group, our committed Pioneering Partner, in a new photoshoot. Soon to be revealed, the pictures highlight the unbreakable bond between YGT young people and the amazing organisations that provide talent tasters.
The relationship shown is one between a future generation and workforce, and the caring and powerful companies that back YGT. Talent Tasters open a world of opportunity to YGT young people, to experience the work place, for the first time, in a dynamic and impactful way. Helping instil confidence and aspirations for a successful life beyond school. The inspired motivation we see from our partners to give back to our young people is amazing. The individuals who work for them are equally as incredible! As part of this Weegie Heroes campaign we’ll be celebrating everyone!
Today, we catch up with Tricia. See what motivated her to become a mentor, and what continues to inspire her. We’ll also be elaborating on the phenomenal commitment of Wheatley in a later Weegie Heroes installment. Stay tuned!
Tricia… What first inspired you to be a mentor?
For me it was about the opportunity to offer a supporting role – not in a parental way – for a young person. There’s so many young people out there with amazing potential and they don’t get the opportunities they deserve. I had a similar experience when I was a young person, so when I read about MCR’s Young Glasgow Talent programme I knew it was definitely something I would like to be involved in.
What are the unexpected qualities that mentoring brings out in you?
I was a wee bit apprehensive about meeting my mentee for the first time. I was nervous! But it was fine! So, some of the qualities it’s brought out in me are the ability to be in touch with my young side – being able to relate to a young person still.
What would you say about the commitment and the difference that our mentors make to Glasgow?
The interaction between mentors and their young people is so important. Especially when it’s such a positive interaction. That might be the only positive interaction they have with an adult in their life. The encouragement you can give somebody, you can see them growing in confidence – and everyone is different but there’s such a huge range of different people mentoring now in Glasgow – so there’s a match for everybody.
Tell me about your mentee
She’s a very confident young girl, she’s very open and listens to my opinion on where she’s headed. She’s so friendly, I felt so good after I left the first meeting with her. She wants to pursue a career as an actress. She’s such a vibrant young woman.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about being a mentor?
It’s very worthwhile. Whatever skills you bring to the table, MCR Pathways will find a young person for you to mentor. You’ll get the amazing satisfaction of making a genuine change in someone’s life. You’ll get to see that young person flourish and there’s no better feeling.
We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. Young people, such as Trisha’s young person. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. They need support and motivation to pursue their ambitions and take on such new experiences. Can you help them? You’ll guide disadvantaged, but utterly deserving young people through their education. Find out more about BECOMING A MENTOR.
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as Glasgow Life and The Herald, simply GET INVOLVED! We can’t wait to welcome you aboard as we change the life chances of our city’s most disadvantaged.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
