True mentorship comes through friendship by Jalen

True mentorship comes through friendship by Jalen - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

I would like to introduce you to my friend. He would like me to say "mentor" or "uncle," but he is more than that. Let's start off with what mentorship is all about: it’s a trusted advisor or someone who trains you. When I met my mentor, it was not set up like a traditional situation, like what I’ve heard. My parents did not seek someone out to help their troubled child—which I wasn’t. The way it happened was quite the opposite. I go to get my haircut 2–3 times per month. I sit in the barbershop and listen to the many stories these men tell—some crazy and funny, others more serious and thought-provoking. While sitting and waiting for my turn, Mr. Lamont would ask me to run an errand or share my teenage opinion on a topic. He would give me the floor in the shop and allow me to speak. He would encourage debate from the other men and barbers. When I grabbed a meal for someone at the pizza shop next door or a soda from the dollar store across the street and came back, I would get a tip before I left. Mr. Lamont would encourage me to come back each weekend to just hang out in his shop. I chose to come each time I was invited until I started coming on my own. Mr. Lamont and the other barbers continued to give life lessons to me about military experiences, college, fraternity life, and community concerns. I did not know what was happening until it happened. The more I came, the more tips I received—both mentally and monetarily. To my amazement, I had been mentored right into a weekend job. While being mentored, I learned how to run a business, speak up for myself professionally, and hold my own against any demographic or political person. Mr. Lamont created a friendship through mentorship that I will never forget and helped me become the confident young man I am today as I embark on my next, college-bound journey.