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MentorCONNECT - A Mentoring Tale
We receive many questions asking 'so how does a mentoring relationship work?' It is often almost impossible to answer that question, because each mentoring relationship will be unique. However, there are some common denominators that can help structure a successful mentor-mentee relationship (see Mentor Guidelines and Mentee Guidelines for more.)
In 2009, Shannon will release a brand new book on the subject of mentoring. The book, Letters to a Young Anorexic, will feature a comprehensive look at many of the common questions and issues that arise in a mentoring relationship, as seen through the eyes of five of Shannon's long-term mentees.
Read on below for a snapshot of how the mentor*-mentee** relationship began and progressed for Shannon with two of her long-time mentees.....
 Ellie***, an adult woman in recovery from anorexia and bulimia, heard Shannon speak at her treatment facility in 2004. When Ellie returned home, she emailed Shannon to let her know, and shared that she was finding 'coming home' to be a rough process. Shannon replied with a message of support and an offer to keep in touch. Ellie began emailing every week or so with questions about the recovery process. Shannon replied as soon as she was able....sometimes she was able to reply that very same day, and sometimes it would take her a few days or a week to respond. Always, Shannon was clear with Ellie by saying, 'I welcome your questions, and please know that I will respond just as soon as I possibly can. If it takes me a few days, please be patient.' Ellie saw her therapist on a weekly basis, and was also working actively with a dietician. Over the years, as Ellie's recovery strengthened and she made progress, she learned to take charge of her own recovery process. Sometimes she would email Shannon with questions or concerns, and other times she would share joys and triumphs! She became closer with her family and began working again. In time, Shannon only heard from Ellie occasionally to say 'hi' - she was living again, and her eating disorder had become a minor player in her very full, real life!
Michelle***, a high school student in recovery from anorexia, met Shannon through the Key to Life forum on myspace, which led to Shannon's visit to her town during a NEDA week event in 2006. Her family met Shannon and gave permission for Michelle and Shannon to stay in touch. Michelle began emailing Shannon regularly during the summer before her freshman year of college. She was excited but nervous at the big change life had in store for her, and wanted support and encouragement during the transition. During her freshman year of college, Michelle began to struggle greatly with her ED. She emailed Shannon every few weeks between exams to ask for support. Michelle had access to on-campus counseling and Shannon encouraged her to take full advantage of support closer to home, and to continue to email as well for help. She supported Michelle in reaching out for help from her roommates, treatment team and family members, including her boyfriend. As she works towards strengthening her recovery, Michelle continues to email Shannon regularly for support and insight into how to approach recovery stumbling blocks.
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