Mentorship Builds Strong Communities
Mentorship used be an expectation of seasoned spouses, but as the role of military spouses evolved, so did the function of mentorship. However, that doesn’t mean that the need for mentorship vanished. In fact, it is still very much craved.
Reflecting on her work managing InDependent’s communities, Army spouse Evie King says, “Something I don’t think will ever change is that need for in-person connection.”
Not long ago, in a Military Times article, 2015 AFI Military Spouse of the Year Corie Weathers noted the same need for face-to-face mentoring. She conducted a survey of 400 spouses and found that 75% said that they were not getting enough guidance from online resources. Weathers says this indicates that newer spouses are feeling isolated.
So, how can seasoned spouses be available as mentors? The first step: be present. Balance the convenience of technology with the benefits of face-to-face interaction. Being a present mentor will:
- Demonstrate active support. “The first impression is hard to forget,” Castillo says. When new spouses are greeted with support from the beginning, they’ll know where to turn when they need help.
- Strengthen the foundation of your unit. Providing knowledge, emotional support and simple guidance will strengthen new spouses’ “muscles.”
- Help spouses discover their own confidence. Your advice and example can help new spouses see that they have the ability to handle the challenges of military life, too.
- Create future mentors. The best thing that can happen is that new spouses will help those who come behind them, all because of your example.
Being a mentor goes beyond helping new spouses go through transitions smoothly. As Castillo says, it also boosts the morale and welfare of our entire community.
It Doesn’t Stop There
Like students on the first day of school, we all remember what it was like to be a new military spouse. The confusion, the questions, the blunders. Some of us remember being reassured and empowered as we were taken under a mentor spouse’s wing; others recall stumbling around in the dark, trying to find our way alone.
As a group, we have evolved into a vibrant, diverse community. We have so much to teach each other and so much to learn. We all have the potential to become “that military spouse” for someone else. Whether you are new or seasoned, be mindful of mentorship opportunities as you form relationships, and take advantage of these relationships for all they’re worth. Their development can change someone’s life, as well as those that follow.
