A mentor can be a great compass in this sometimes confusing world--and a ton of fun.

Why should you have a mentor?
A mentor can give you encouragement, guidance, help you with your homework, or just be there when you need somebody to talk to. A mentor is a more experienced, wiser person who can help you with your goals and give you perspective. Older people have lived a lot longer than you, so take the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and accomplishments.

What should you look for in a mentor?
Before getting a mentor, make sure to think about what you want from the experience. Know yourself and decide how a mentor can help you. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Do you want specific advice like choosing a career or do just want general guidance? Perhaps you want a mentor who has the same background as you or has a job in a field you are interested in. No matter what, your mentor should be somebody you feel comfortable with and trust.

How do you find a mentor?
There are a lot of ways to find a mentor. You can find a local mentoring organization with contacts in your community and ask them about the steps you need to take to get connected to a mentor. However, you don't need to go through an organization to find a mentor; you can definitely find one on your own. Ask trustworthy adults in your life--relatives, school counselors, teachers, or religious leaders--about finding a mentor and make it known loud and clear that you would like guidance. When approaching a potential mentor, remember to be proactive, persistent and polite. Always keep in mind that your potential mentors are busy adults with responsibilities of their own. However, always assume that they can and are willing to help guide you.

Oprah Winfrey had one, so did Bill Clinton. There's no telling what you can accomplish with the right guidance. So take action and find yourself an amazing mentor!