Andre, a Bolder Options mentor, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee with a passion for basketball. He received a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he studied marketing at the Carlson School of Business and played for the Gophers. After playing basketball professionally overseas, he returned to earn his MBA and now works as a financial analyst at General Mills.
Motivated by a desire to give back, especially to the African American community, Andre stated, “The biggest thing is giving back and being present in someone else's life. I like helping people.” Mentoring has a significant impact on both the mentor and the mentee, helping build a movement of caring and creating lasting connections. Mentoring is a demonstration to young people about "what to do", teaching them the value of building relationships and caring for others through role modeling.
Since he started mentoring, Andre has enjoyed getting to know Cam and witnessing his growth over the past year. “It’s been awesome. I’ve enjoyed becoming friends with Cam, listening to his goals, and creating good memories together,” he shared. Their bond extends beyond the mentorship program, rooted in shared experiences like playing basketball and pickleball at Lifetime.
Through this mentorship, Andre has learned to give sound advice based on his experiences. “Normally, I was on the other end of it, receiving advice, but now I'm giving it,” he explained, emphasizing the need to present guidance in a way that is relatable to Cam. As they work together, Cam has inspired Andre with his ambition. “I see a lot of things that he wants to accomplish in life. It tells me a lot about his drive.”
“Normally, I was on the other end of it, receiving advice, but now I'm giving it.”
Andre's experiences as a young Black man in Memphis shape his mentorship style, teaching him the importance of communication and understanding. He believes that listening is crucial; “A lot of people try to respond before truly understanding,” he added.
Cam described mentorship as helping someone out and standing up for others. He noted, “Andre has taught me to never give up. Physically when we workout, but also mentally. He shows me that you have to keep going because life will always throw something at you.” Since working with Andre, Cam has learned to recognize the difference between real friends and fake ones, emphasizing that friends need to prove their loyalty through their actions.
“Andre has taught me to never give up. Physically when we workout, but also mentally. He shows me that you have to keep going because life will always throw something at you.”
Their workouts have become a bonding experience, with Andre encouraging Cam to push through challenges. “What made it special for me was that Andre would never let me give up. He always kept saying, ‘Come on, push through,’” Cam recalled. Through playing basketball, Cam has developed new skills like shooting, but more importantly, he has learned perseverance and patience.
For Cam, the biggest takeaway from mentoring has been to: “Never give up. Life isn’t going to always be easy, but you have to keep going.” Whenever he feels down, he knows he can rely on Andre: “Most days, if I’m feeling low, he helps me feel better.”
The conversations between Andre and Cam illustrate the profound impact of mentorship as they share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, enriching both of their lives. Mentoring not only provides guidance and support but empowers individuals to make a positive difference in their communities. By cultivating these relationships, they contribute to a caring movement, demonstrating that support can create a ripple effect of kindness and resilience. Each mentor-mentee pair adds a new thread to the fabric of a compassionate community, underscoring the belief that we all have the power to make the world a better place.
If Andre and Cam’s inspiring mentorship journey resonates with you, have you thought about becoming a mentor yourself? Their story shows how sharing experiences and wisdom can profoundly impact young lives, fostering resilience and confidence. By joining this movement, you can help empower the next generation while building meaningful connections in the community. Together, we can make a difference!
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