What is Mentoring?**

A matter of trust. Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings students together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is faculty member who provides a student with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care, people who want to help students bring out strengths that are already there. A mentor is not a therapist, a College administrator, or cool peer.

All students have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to the profession of pharmacy. However, not all students get the support they need to flourish and maximize their potential.

Mentoring – the presence of caring faculty members offering support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples – has proved to be a powerful tool for helping students fulfill their potential.

Mentoring can help by:

· Improving student’s attitudes towards their College, teachers and, peers;

· Encouraging students to stay motivated and focused on their education;

· Helping students face daily challenges; and

· Offering students opportunities to consider new career paths and get much-needed skills and knowledge.

By using your influence and resources as a decision maker, you can bring new hope to their lives through the power of mentoring. And you'll be surprised how much you will benefit, as well.

**From (adapted): http://www.mentoring.org/mentors/about_mentoring/