Here is a real oldie from my early career days with an important message about mentorship. As Galileo said, "You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself", and that's the basis of this post.
The picture on the left was taken after I had won the VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), now known as SKILLS USA, Pennsylvania State Title. I was fortunate to have competed and won Districts, States, and Nationals and had the honor of representing the United States in the International Competition.
Only 16 at the time, I truly understood the commitment it took to succeed in your dreams from the mentorship of my High School Vocational Instructor, Keith Richards.
He ingrained in me to thirst for knowledge and work hard. He had a saying that I took to heart and have lived my career by, "As long as you're green, you'll grow."
Now after having succeeded in getting my World Certified Master Chef Certification, I reflect on how important his teachings and mentorship were to me and my success.
We must take time to give back and help up-and-coming culinarians move to the next step. There is a vast difference between coaching and mentoring, and Galileo nailed it. Please enable them to discover what is in themselves! I leave you with one final quote about mentorship to tie it all together.
"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn." – Phil Collins
Chef Michael Smith, WCMC, CEC, AAC
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