It took me a while to figure out what my purpose in life is. I was standing behind home plate, umpiring a high school softball game, and I kept seeing one of the coaches repeatedly belittle his players. I could see the effect it was having on them. They were downtrodden. They were angry. They were broken. Near the end of the game a player from that team blatantly, and maliciously, took out the catcher of the opposing team. I called her out and ejected her and turned my attention to the injured catcher. As the coach (and player) came unglued toward me, I realized that if I were coaching, there would be one less coach like that involved with these kids.

I went back to school to become a teacher and coach because I now knew that I needed to reach as many kids as I could and help them realize the greatness that lies within them. And, I needed to protect as many as I could from people who put themselves in a position to belittle, berate, and manipulate kids as a show of power or dominance. It did not take me long to realize that teaching life skills and self-confidence was more important than the subject I teach or the sport I coach.

After a number of years, I learned that my mentoring and teaching skills should not be limited to high school students. I started teaching college courses and mentoring adults. As a volunteer, I have enjoyed the experience of mentoring/coaching many people as they prepare for next steps in life, career, marriage, etc. Many of my former students now come to me as adults to receive counsel on various topics. Others have heard of me through them or through church and have benefited from my experience and knowledge, as well as my unique ability to look at things from a variety of perspectives and help people see their own lives from different angles.

There is a new surge, and an entire industry developing, about life coaching and mentoring others. Some have educational wisdom. Some have experience. Some have teaching skills. I am lucky enough to possess all three. As I retire from teaching in the public school system, I want to use these skills, plus 22 years of teaching experience at multiple levels, to help others reach their potential. Everyone needs to have a mentor to coach them to their goals. Everyone should be a mentor later in life to share their own experience and wisdom.

Now it is my turn to mentor others. I am excited for the next adventure and the people I will meet along the way.