Delivering my TEDxGary talk, S.H.O.W. U.P.: How Positive Mentorship Transforms Lives, was a milestone, but it was much more than just stepping onto a stage. It was a moment that represented years of guidance, encouragement, and love from the people who have supported me throughout my journey. This experience allowed me to reflect on how mentorship truly expands when it’s supported by a village—by family, friends, mentors, and the spiritual guidance of my church family.
From the moment I began preparing for my TEDx talk, my circle of support stepped up in ways that filled me with gratitude. My family was there, cheering me on at every turn. My friends offered their time to listen to drafts, provide feedback, and share their thoughts on how I could make my message even stronger. Their encouragement became a constant source of motivation, reminding me that my story—and the message of mentorship—was worth sharing.
But the most touching part of this journey was reconnecting with those who had mentored me years ago. Many of them had been my teachers and academic guides, helping me navigate the ups and downs of education. Over time, these mentors became more than advisors; they became like family. As I prepared for TEDx, they reminded me of the importance of always being a student—always learning, always growing. Their guidance gave me the confidence to craft a talk that I believed in deeply.
An essential part of my support system was the spiritual guidance from my church family. My brothers and sisters in faith provided prayers, words of encouragement, and constant reminders to stay grounded and trust in God’s plan. My Pastor and the First Lady were especially instrumental, offering continued prayers and supporting me by attending the event in person. Their presence and faith in my calling helped me to remember that this journey was about more than just me—it was about serving others and sharing the light God had placed within me.
Throughout this process, I learned that I am capable of doing difficult things. Preparing for TEDx was challenging—it pushed me out of my comfort zone and required a level of vulnerability I wasn’t used to. But it also showed me that I could rise to the occasion. Taking criticism was another key part of this journey. I learned that receiving feedback is not about tearing you down; it’s about refinement. It’s about polishing your message until it shines. Embracing that mindset allowed me to deliver a talk that I am proud of.
These layers of support—family, friends, lifelong mentors, and spiritual guidance—taught me that mentorship is not a one-way street. It’s a continuous cycle where support and encouragement flow both ways. The very people who once guided me became my audience, my cheerleaders, and my support system. This reinforced the heart of my S.H.O.W. U.P. message: mentorship is about showing up for others, but it’s also about allowing others to show up for you.
As I delivered my talk, I could feel the energy of my village with me. Knowing that they believed in my message as much as I did made all the difference. It gave me the courage to speak with authenticity and passion. It also reminded me that every mentor, every guide, every supporter plays a part in shaping who we become.
My TEDxGary experience was a testament to the power of community and faith in mentorship. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to take on our challenges alone; we have a network of people who believe in us and are willing to lift us higher. I hope that as I continue my journey, I can pay forward the support I’ve received, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to see the value in both giving and receiving mentorship.
With that in mind, I am thrilled to announce that I am working on a new mentorship toolkit, inspired by the S.H.O.W. U.P. strategy. This toolkit will be designed specifically to help parents, students, and teachers build stronger relationships through mentorship. It will offer practical strategies for applying the principles I shared on the TEDx stage— support, help set goals, offer opportunities, walk alongside, understand, provide positive role modeling.
This toolkit aims to empower families and educators to build meaningful connections that uplift students and help them reach their full potential. Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved and access these tools. Together, we can continue to show up for each other and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. #TEDxGary #SHOWUP #MentorshipMatters #RelationshipBuilding #MentorshipToolkit #ComingSoon
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