Scott spent time in care while in school, at Lochend Academy in Glasgow, and often struggled with teachers. He was matched with his mentor Gillian, who met with him each and every week.
Now Scott studies Business Management at City of Glasgow College. He aims to pursue further education in Supply Chain Management or Radio. Here’s Scott’s reflection on having a mentor.
What did you originally think your mentor might be able to do for you?
“Honesty, I didn’t have a clue. I think most people are like that, they really really don’t know. But I thought that it would be something really, really helpful that would be impartial and independent from the school, social work, and the council. I thought a mentor would actually help and listen. I didn’t feel there was anywhere where I felt listened to, so having a mentor there, actually knowing there was someone there to listen, that’s what drew me to it.”
How did you feel you benefited from your meetings with Gillian?
I’m in care and I was put in a children’s unit ages away from the school. I had lost a lot of motivation in everything and Gillian really, really helped me in trying to find that motivation, not just in school but with life in general – things like getting to school and actually getting in on time. She really did keep me motivated to go to school and later to finish. Having Gillian there to try and steer me in the right path really, really worked.
“They do say that talking is the best medicine and it is the truth, it really really is”
What would you say to a young person who isn’t sure about being mentored?
It’s one of the best things I can actually think about. You do look forward to that day every week when you meet your mentor because you have a wee gab. They do say that talking is the best medicine and it is the truth, it really really is.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about becoming a mentor?
You have the genuine power to change a young person’s life for the better. Change their life, change their outlook and just have a good laugh.
