By Erika Arreola
Staff Writer
The importance of having a mentor is greater than anyone can expect.
Mentors are those who can guide you toward your own success, someone with whom you can relate and seek out for advice.
Many can confide in others, however, a mentor is also someone who will provide valuable advice that helps challenge their mentees and strengthen their drive.
I have a mentor whom I admire: Vera Jimenez, a meteorologist and traffic reporter on KTLA Channel 5 News. She is someone to whom I look up. I met her when I was 14 and little did I know she would be a great part of my life.
I never thought of being a newscaster growing up, but now my decision-making process goes back and forth; it’s only natural.
Jimenez has been a part of my journey since my freshman year of high school. She is an amazing woman with a big heart. I never hesitate to seek out for her advice.
I put a lot of emphasis on the importance of having a mentor because a mentor will help steer you in the right direction.
A mentor will understand how difficult it is being a college student, and they will not judge the questions you ask. It is someone who you can look up to and admire, someone with whom you can relate and not feel intimidated by. It is someone with experience, someone who is knowledgeable about your chosen field.
After accomplishing your goals, you too can be a mentor. It is a way to help others succeed.
Mentors can be found if you seek to find one, whether they are friends of friends, older brothers and sisters, inspirational leaders or members of our school community at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
I was personally blessed to meet my mentor. I strive to be successful and a mentor as well. I want to help someone succeed.
The importance of having a mentor is that they help the wheels turn toward our success and moving forward.
