Sharing is caring

By Darren Stones

Connection ... connection with people. There's times in our life when we connect strongly with people to a point where many things are shared.

When I say shared, I want to mention actual sharing. Sharing comes in many forms and I believe in my heart that when sharing goes to a level that is sustained over a long period of time, that's when a genuine connection has formed.

I would say - without any doubt - that the best sharing experiences I can draw on are when emotional support is involved. I believe these experiences truly lead to strong connection where the benefits are felt. They are felt in a way that inspires, motivates and keeps us moving ahead even when we doubt ourselves.

When we connect strongly with people, and they demonstrate to you over a long period of time that they are supportive and encouraging, they are the people to keep in your life. They are the people that care for YOU.

RMIT Open Day 2014

By Darren Stones

RMIT's Open Day for 2014 was exciting, and here's a few photos I took on the day.

From the RMIT website:

"RMIT is a global university of technology and design and Australia's largest tertiary institution. The University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and vocational education and outcome-oriented research."

Introduction to RMIT Session - 700 Programs

Introduction to RMIT Session

RMIT Open Day 2014 Catalogue

RMIT Open Day Signage

RMIT Social Work Stand

RMIT Student Services Stand

Introduction to RMIT - Urbanites Unite

9 ways to improve your mentoring experience

By Darren Stones, Mentor, Schools Mentoring Australia

A few thoughts about mentoring:

• Be prepared to role play
• As a mentor, let the mentee explore what truly drives them
• As a mentee, be clear in what you want from the mentoring process
• As a mentor, encourage the mentee to do research - it empowers them
• As a mentee, be willing to be challenged by your mentor
• As a mentor, be prepared to be challenged
• As a mentee, ask your mentor what they would do in a situation
• As a mentor, listen and take notes
• As a mentee, listen and take notes

The mentoring process is mutually beneficial to both mentee and mentor. Both learn about the mentoring process. As a mentee, you will learn how to become a mentor yourself. Mentoring can be formal and informal. It's all around you. You may be learning something new every day.