You know that feeling you get when you finally figure something out or when you learn something that you never knew before? It’s incredibly relieving and rewarding. You feel like you can do anything in the world. What if I told you that being the person to provide that feeling to somebody is substantially more rewarding?

If you’ve read “The Significance of a Mentor,” then you know the benefits of having somebody help and guide you when you need direction. Having a mentor can change your life for the better. Once you meet that person in your life, it does not take a giant leap to transition from student to teacher.

Every student, at one point in their college careers, has felt lost. Whether it’s narrowing down your major, finding your social group or maybe even finding the right study habits, we all need a little guidance. It can sometimes seem like you’re the only one that feels this way, but I can assure you you’re not. If anything, having this totally normal feeling is what makes a great empathetic mentor.

Some people think that being a competent individual in a field is what makes you qualified to be a mentor. In fact, the essence of being a mentor is recognizing and being aware of this “lost” feeling that students have, knowing you’ve experienced the same and sharing that with them.

I became a mentor for the Engineering Mentorship Council my sophomore year at Texas A&M. I joined because I remembered how little I knew and how many questions I had my freshman year. I wanted to share my experiences with others so they wouldn’t have to go through the same troubles I did. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my life because I witnessed freshmen grow into better versions of themselves.

If you have stories, experiences and general knowledge that you would like to share, I urge you to become a mentor. It doesn’t even have to be a grand gesture; it’s as easy as helping a friend in need. Even mentoring just one person can have a lasting impact. It’s always the small things that make a big difference in the world.