Mentorship is one of the most transformative relationships anyone can experience. It’s a bridge that connects experience with ambition, knowledge with curiosity, and guidance with growth.
At Play Like a Girl, we believe in the power of mentorship to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Through our programs, we connect middle school girls with mentors who help shape their futures, opening doors to opportunities and showing them what’s possible.
Why Saying “Thank You” Matters
Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. Gratitude plays a crucial role in building and strengthening these relationships. Recognizing the contributions of mentors not only motivates them to stay engaged but also inspires others to step into this vital role. Research shows that expressing gratitude fosters stronger connections and creates a positive environment where both mentees and mentors thrive.
At Play Like a Girl, we teach girls to show appreciation through our Power Principle: Show Appreciation. We emphasize the importance of acknowledging those who support and guide them, from mentors to peers. Whether it’s a simple “thank you,” a handwritten note, or a shoutout, these expressions of gratitude help to strengthen bonds, foster mutual respect, and encourage a culture of kindness and support. This principle also encourages participants to pay it forward, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone involved.
Stories of Mentorship and Gratitude
From Mentee to Mentor: Peyton’s Journey
Peyton joined Play Like a Girl as a shy middle school student with big dreams but little confidence. Matched with mentors who worked in a variety of fields, Peyton began to see her potential unfold. “My mentors believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Peyton recalls. “They taught me how to set goals and encouraged me to keep going, even when things got tough.”
Years later, Peyton has come full circle. Now a mentor herself, she’s helping other girls find their way. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my Play Like a Girl mentors,” Peyton says. “Their belief in me sparked my confidence. Now, I’m giving that gift to girls everywhere as the Tennessee representative of the Flight Crew with Million Girls Moonshot.”
A Mentor’s Perspective: Ryan’s Rewarding Experience
Ryan, a corporate volunteer with Play Like a Girl, remembers one moment vividly. “I was helping my mentee write code for a website she was designing. She struggled at first but didn’t give up. At the end, she looked at me and said, ‘Thank you for pushing me.’ That moment reminded me why I signed up to mentor.”
For Ryan, mentorship is about more than teaching skills—it’s about building confidence and showing girls like Peyton that they are capable of greatness. “Hearing my mentee’s gratitude made it all worth it. It’s a reminder that small actions can make a big impact.”
These stories illustrate the power of mentorship to create a ripple effect. When mentees express appreciation, they inspire mentors to continue their efforts, creating a community of support and encouragement.
How You Can Thank Your Mentor
On Thank Your Mentor Day (or any day), take a moment to express your gratitude to the mentors who have made a difference in your life. Here are a few simple ways you can show your appreciation:
- Write a Note or Email: A heartfelt message can mean the world to a mentor. Share specific examples of how they’ve impacted your life and what their guidance has meant to you.
- Share Your Story on Social Media: Use #ThankYourMentorDay to highlight your mentor’s contributions. Sharing your story can inspire others to recognize their mentors or step into the role themselves.
- Pay It Forward: Honor your mentor by becoming a mentor yourself. There’s no better way to show appreciation than by passing on the gift of mentorship to someone else.
Join Us in Paying It Forward
At Play Like a Girl, we believe that showing appreciation is a powerful way to create change. Our Power Principle, “Show Appreciation,” reminds us that gratitude is contagious. By acknowledging those who have helped us, we inspire others to do the same. This principle encourages girls in our programs to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of kindness, support, and empowerment.
Gratitude strengthens relationships, builds trust, and inspires others to take action. And it doesn’t have to be grand to be impactful. Simple acts like thanking a teacher, writing a note to a friend, or helping a peer can make a meaningful difference. When we pay it forward every day, we not only uplift others but also enrich our own lives.
On Thank Your Mentor Day, let’s all–young and young at heart–take a moment to reflect on the mentors who have helped to shape our lives and think about how we can pay their kindness forward. Becoming a mentor is one of the most impactful ways to empower the next generation and continue the cycle of support and encouragement.
Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Share your story or step into the role of mentor today.
Visit iplaylikeagirl.org/mentor to learn more and get started.
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