The Sunshine Report Mentors Making a Difference Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of mentors and their role in shaping the lives of so many. Mentors are among the most important people in our lives. How many of us can look back on a sage piece of advice given to us many years ago that we still remember? Advice that we internalized, acted upon and as a result, changed our life in some profound way. The interesting thing is that it happens all day, every day shaping lives of people all throughout the world. Mentors imparting advice, sharing insights from their rich reservoir of experience. Throughout our lives, it’s been estimated that each of us will directly interact with over 50,000 people. Most of those interactions will be simple intersections where we meet once and never cross paths with that person again. Yet there are some of those interactions that develop into meaningful relationships, relationships that have the possibility of changing the course of our lives or the lives of others. As a young man growing up in Newport playing football or when I first started my career in Boston, there were individuals I had the good fortune of meeting who served as incredible mentors in my life. Individuals whose guidance, insight, and even a little tough love at times inspired me, directed me, and eventually allowed the transition from childhood to adolescence, and eventually adulthood. It’s fair to say that without my mentors, I likely would not have been afforded many of the opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy. Unfortunately, there’s also research that suggests a majority of young people may never have a mentor, even though it’s been empirically demonstrated just how essential mentoring is to our communities and our young people. For both mentor and mentee, it can improve mental health, reinforce our resiliency, and instill the values of honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Not only that, it has the ability to overwhelmingly influence the choices we make in a positive way, particularly amongst the most vulnerable. I’m reminded of a quote from Oprah Winfrey, a woman herself who credits a variety of mentors who helped her get on her feet following a difficult childhood, “a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself”. Yet what makes for a good mentor? It’s fair to say that sometimes we may look up to someone, but their influence can fail to help, if not fully understood and properly applied. Generally, I find it starts by looking at someone's aspirations in all areas of their lives. From their personal relationships, to school, or work, a good mentor understands where their mentee is versus where they want to go and holds them accountable, while also giving praise when they’ve surpassed a benchmark or achieved a desired goal. And, the truth is that it works both ways. The person being advised receives the benefit of sage guidance, while the mentor enjoys a reward potentially of even greater value – knowing that he or she has helped shape a positive future for the next generation and beyond! Read The Full Report Pease Air Force Base – A New Hampshire Success Read More Breakfast Spots – NH Favorites, Creating Memories Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Lou D’Allesandro This week we are delighted to highlight a great friend and true ‘New Hampshire Legend’ – Senator Lou D’Allesandro as our Profile of the Week. In fact, I was recently watching a great movie, ‘Hoosiers’ and one of the quotes made me think of Lou. The quote goes: “Don't get caught up thinking about winning or losing this game. If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book, we're gonna be winners!” In many ways this quote captures the mindset of a great man who many, including me, call ‘Senator Lou.’ A man who has risen above partisanship and is widely admired across the political spectrum. Lou is a member of the New Hampshire State Senate representing Manchester. He has served in this position since the late 1990s. While working hard in Concord for the people of Queen City, he has also served on the Manchester City School Board. Two different positions at the same time – dong ‘double duty as a selfless public servant. Here are a couple fun facts about Senator Lou that many probably don't know. He and I served together in the 1974 State Constitutional Though now a Democrat, Lou served as a Republican on the Executive Council and ran for Governor in the early 1980’s also as a Republican. While ultimately not winning, it didn't stop him from standing up and wanting to serve. His never-ending commitment to “being a voice for all” and his dedication to playing up to his potential is why he is one of the most revered public servants in our state. But why do we reference ‘Hoosiers’ when talking about Senator Lou? Prior to being known as SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University), a small college in North Manchester was emerging and was called New Hampshire College. In 1963, Lou became Athletic Director of this up and coming college and as Head Coach of the basketball team where he led his team to three division conferences and achieved NCAA status for the school. There truly are great people in public service, while there are also athletic superstars as well as individuals making a difference in their community every day; however, it's rare that you find someone to do all three – but this is the life story of Lou D’Allesandro! And if you are a regular listener of Jack Heath’s radio show, at least once a week you’ll hear Senator Lou inspire those listening and encourage everyone to have a “Great, Great, American Day!” Gotta love the spirit – and gotta love the dedicated service and leadership of our friend, Senator Lou! Quotes of the Week “While I made my living as a coach, I have lived my life to be a mentor, and to be mentored! Constantly. Everything in the world has been passed down. Every piece of knowledge is something that has been shared by someone else. If you understand it as I do, mentoring becomes your true legacy. It is the greatest inheritance you can give to others. It is why you get up every day—to teach and be taught.” ― John Wooden Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  ‌ ‌ ‌ Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]