I see so many posts asking about the mentor program from the student perspective. I wanted to get some info on the mentor side. I've been toying with the idea of mentoring since I hit a 6 but am worried I might get frustrated based on some of the posts about students being rude or unresponsive and such. I like to help, but I don't like banging my head against a wall, you know??

So, what is it that you like best about being a mentor? What do you like least? How much time would you say you spend mentoring each day or week? Have you had any unpleasant situations arise? Do you generally find the program to be rewarding or frustrating as a mentor? What has been the easiest part of mentoring and what has been the hardest?

Any other details you'd like to share would be much appreciated! less

I see so many posts asking about the mentor program from the student perspective. I wanted to get some info on the mentor side. I've been toying with the idea of mentoring since I hit a 6 but am worried I might get frustrated based on some of the posts about students being rude or unresponsive and such. I like to help, but I don't like banging my head against a wall, you know??

So, what is it that you like best about being a mentor? What do you like least? How much time would you say you spend mentoring each day or week? Have you had any unpleasant situations arise? Do you generally find the program to be rewarding or frustrating as a mentor? What has been the easiest part of mentoring and what has been the hardest?

Any other details you'd like to share would be much appreciated! less

I have had a *lot* of fun with most of my students, and a good time with others. I really like the opportunity to meet newer contributors and show them around---I have had one student that didn't want to change their reviews based on my input, and that one eventually stopped logging, which made me sad, so I cancelled the class after not hearing from her for 1.5 months. That was my third student, my second cancelled the class herself after never submitting a review. My first student, and all the current ones, have been really great! I'm so glad to get to know each of them.

A couple things I would suggest---if you become a mentor, let advanced contributors know that you're willing to mentor them. Then you can a) get established (and get a little "mentor number" by your name), and b) learn how your mentoring style works. I have learned just as much from my advanced students as my new ones---and they can be fun too because you know you're giving a leg up to someone who really cares.

Major tip: If you get a student request, send them a message before you accept it. Lots of contributors will send out like 6 requests at the same time, and then just wind up with whichever mentor clicked over first. With my second and third students (the ones who didn't really want to improve or be part of the site), I was like "Oh great! Students!" and accepted them right away. Now that I had those two negative experiences, I will only accept a student sight-unseen if they mention liking my writing style or one of my reviews, or at least my name. If someone just messages "Hi I'm curious about the mentor program" I will send them a message back explaining how I conduct my class, and that I hope to get a message from them (even if no review) at least on a weekly basis, and a couple other things. If they reply to that and they think I will be a good match for them, then I'll happily accept their request. If they don't reply... I don't accept their class request.

Basically, you can minimize negative experiences by talking to people before shacking up with them

And get an advanced student to start out with so you can hone your style with a friend. less