Conversations with Mentors - Jack D
Georgi recently spoke to Oppidan mentor, Jack. Have a read of what they spoke about.
Jack! Welcome to our series of conversations with mentors. I know you’ve recently become a Pro Mentor with us. Can you tell the community how your journey sparked this transition?
There was a quote I once saw which read, ‘be the person you needed when you were lost’. Young people have to make lots of big decisions, which play a very serious role in determining the outcome of their lives. I want to be here for them during that process.
My professional journey has gone in the following order: Teach First, TARKA, Oppidan Mentor, Oppidan Schools Executive and now a Pro Mentor. I would say that my speciality is motivation. I must have watched each and every Ted Talk under the sun. I am obsessed with the concept of creating your own momentum. I have always said that to me the best mentor is a mentor that makes themselves unnecessary. To be so good at what you do that a child/ young person no longer needs you around as the positive daily habits and mental resilience you have instilled within them are so deeply engrained that they become self-sufficient (have complete ownership over their lives).
That’s amazing – and welcome to the team! We’d love to hear about your earlier story and childhood growing up?
I spent a lot of time outdoors as a child and am very grateful for that. I recently returned from the Oppidan Summer Camp and to see all the young people enjoying themselves outdoors brought me huge satisfaction. I have always loved the concept of exploration and believe it to be an important part of my make up. Having the courage to pursue your own interests and passions, Steve Jobs says is vital to success later on in life. Giving children the space and time to do this to me helps them develop their own curiosities, which in time breeds independence.
What did school mean to you? Any Favourite memories?
I remember hearing Jürgen Klopp (the current Liverpool FC men’s football manager) describe confidence as a ‘flower’. I was not always confident growing up however there were a few teachers who believed in me, which resulted in me having more faith in myself. Confidence is not something you can buy or develop overnight. You need to actively work as it, like a gardener.
I am a musician outside of working at Oppidan, and I have never forgotten how the Head of Music at my secondary school selected me for a choir which comprised of the 12 best singers at my school. I hadn’t had any formal singing education but knew that I enjoyed it. Having someone who really knew their stuff take such a risk with me was very inspiring.
When you left school, did you have a clear vision for your career path ahead? How did it all unfold?
No, and this is significant in terms of why I wanted to become a mentor. I always ask the children I am responsible for, ‘what would you like to achieve when you’re older?’. So often when we are young our own wants and desires are drowned out by what we think we ought to do for others. If we are to believe the analogy that you cannot pour from an empty cup, then being willing to put ourselves first and put our own oxygen mask on before assisting others is important, but not easy.
Finally, you’ve been part of the Oppidan family for a while. Any top tips/experiences you’d love to share with our mentor community?
Work with what you’ve got. You’re not going to be great at everything, but what you’ve got is considerably more than what your mentee is working with so don’t let doubt get in the way of all the help you could offer.