My Mentor Experience Essay

From the moment I was notified that I could sign up to be an OSPREY Camp mentor for the second time, I eagerly started the process to mentor 5th grade students in an outdoor environment once again. From the previous year, I had already made up my mind to sign up again this year, and the remainder of my high school years. My first year serving as a mentor, as a freshman, was an exceptional experience where I emerged more fond of the experience and fulfillment that I felt, rather than the over 100 hours of community service that I received. I was excited to return for another year, however, there was a massive roadblock that strongly made me reconsider.

As the week of camp approached, my classmates and I had also signed up to serve as a mentor,
I felt cheated and wronged, that the only opportunity in my life that I’m able to attend camp, resulted up being a mediocre experience rather than something I would look back on fondly. Would I want the same for my mentees?

During the week of camp, there was a major shortage of mentors, especially male mentors, to the point where we had female mentors aiding activities within the boy's cabins during the day. I was often left alone with sixteen rowdy 5th graders that drove me insane. However, I didn’t feel angry or regretful that I chose to attend camp rather than stay in school and take my finals early. My mentees only have one opportunity to come as a camper, and much of their memories will be formed within our cabin, and I have a duty to be a role model to my mentees.

I had sacrificed some sleepless nights to study to take my finals early. I had sacrificed some of my sanity too. I prioritized my mentees over myself because I knew that I would feel nothing but sorrow and regret if I were to let them down. The greater good was accomplished, as I left a strong impression on my mentees and helped them form lifelong memories at my