I am honored to be here to celebrate you

By Joane Delinois

Hello everyone
My name is Joane Delinois
And it is a pleasure to greet all of you
When I first met my mentor
sadly my reaction expression
was typical, meaning skeptical

Can you blame me
if
Well
she didn’t strike me as “a mentor”
5’5 petite lady with brown eyes
With a sweet contagious smile
Fiery hair
She came prepackaged
FedEx
With a mysterious air
had an original and unique name
Angelini
angel- mini
I gave her that nickname
This angel came in a wonderful disguise
Well to say the least
She caught me by surprise
This is a story about how I was looking for a mentor
and ended up with someone so much more

It was a typical day with yours truly looking fab
Having a conversation with Sarah in the computer lab
Expressing a passionate plea
s.o.s
I need a lot of help I’m new to the US
Not to mention
I was just recently released from my incarceration
I had arrived at a frightening and
new destination
I had no one
My family lives in Canada
You cannot begin to grasp the depth of my isolation and devastation
Poor Sarah was getting overwhelmed by this conversation
In which she replied “So you looking for a mentor!
we have a mentorship program, you should give it a try”


This was met with a heavy sigh What are you trying to imply
That i am inept , no thanks i can get by
But i was optimistic
this i could not deny
Working out the logistics
A mischievous light gleamed in my eye

A mentor! sure!
If this person is going to help me navigate Queens demographics
and deal with public transportation!
where do I sign up
what are the qualifications!
But! I have to let you know I have my stipulations
I was looking for a tour guide
a professional interaction
A life-long friendship in which both parties would care, support, guide,
share expertise, be there for each other
A mutual exchange
Check All the above

I was looking for someone maybe older
With a great sense of humor
experienced and knowledgeable Compassionate
I was beginning to feel dispassionate

For clearly I didn’t know what a mentor was
and where I would find this person
What if we’re not a perfect fit?
Before the search even began
I was ready to quit
Sarah explained: A mentor provides guidance, motivation,
emotional support, and role modeling.
A mentor helps with exploring careers, setting goals,
developing contacts, and identifying resources.

I wanted this mentor nothing would appease

Sarah: calm down, you will get a mentor. breathe!! And put your mind at ease

Turns out A mentor meant so much more by definition, I was amazed.

Dictionary paraphrased: A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.
Mentors inspire- enabling you to achieve life’s goals and aspirations.
A mentor help you reach your full potential.

By these definitions, a mentor can mean so many different things. At its core,
a mentor is a trusted friend, making herself available to support and advise you when you need it,
and always having your best interests in mind.

Mentorship is the greatest gift a person can offer, besides love, helping another learn!
A mentor cares about nurturing, advising, supporting, and facilitating excellence in the lives of others.

Denise Angelini is more than a mentor
You will be happy to know that we are a perfect flt as we have so much in common.
We are:
adventurers-exploring, discovering, conquering new lands like Socrates Park with our compass Google Maps
children at heart who appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures of life:
stopping to bathe in sunlight, admiring nature, and attending the circus.
We are:
positive people who like being in a positive space.
We are:
epicures and self-appointed food critics of every restaurant in Astoria,
great philosophers debating the folly of diet, and lovers of art.
Women, who missed their calling in comedy: making a joke about anything.

She is my mentor/ friend/therapist/educator/ Wonder Woman/jack of all trades/

Although my mentor could not make it here today
I’m a honored to celebrate humble,wise, caring, selfless,as well as phenomenal individuals
who are passionate about changing lives.
you have no idea the impact that you have on our lives.

Words can never convey our deepest gratitude for your time and dedication:
I am honored to be here to celebrate you.