The other day I was reminiscing with an old friend about high school, and we started talking about which were our favourite and least favourite teachers. It had been a while, but that conversation reminded me of my old English Lit teacher, Mr. Z. He was an older guy with grown kids of his own who enjoyed reading Chaucer out loud in Old English and sneaking cigarettes behind the portables after school. Mr. Z was one of those teachers who loved teaching and genuinely liked kids, even us snotty teenagers, and he made English literature interesting.
Around then, I was going through a hard time at home and missing a lot of classes. I didn’t tell anybody at the time, but I was seriously considering dropping out of high school. Mr. Z noticed that things weren’t right, and over a few cigarettes after class he convinced me to talk. He made arrangements with the school administration to provide me with bus fare to help me get to school, and he convinced me to keep coming, even if I didn’t make it every day. He was the reason I finished high school, and it was his support that encouraged me to apply for university and scholarships. We lost touch after high school, but I still think about him every once in a while.
Many of us have had mentors like Mr. Z who made a difference in our lives, but not everyone is so lucky. Having reaped the benefit of more than one mentor in my life, I know firsthand how valuable positive role models can be.
This February, Boston Pizza is celebrating their annual Valentine’s Day campaign in support of mentorship for kids, so they extended an invitation to my girls and me to have a conversation about the importance of mentorship over some heart-shaped pizza.
All month long, Boston Pizza will be raising awareness and donations for the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects which works to connect kids in need with positive role models in their communities. $1 from every pizza sold on February 14th this year will go to support the Boston Pizza Foundation’s work.
We visited our local Boston Pizza and ordered one of their signature pizzas for dinner. Of course, both my girls were enchanted with the pizza’s heart shape. It took a little convincing before they were willing to have me serve slices!
Spicy perogie pizza – my favourite!
While we enjoyed our meal, I started to talk about mentors. The very first thing Kay said was, “No, don’t want a Dementor!” (We are a Harry Potter family, after all!) So then followed an explanation of what a mentor is: not a scary flying monster in a black robe, but someone we learn from and look up to. Once they understood, Tee said, “Oh, I have a mentor! My teacher Ms. Andrea teaches me and helps me be really good! And you too! You’re my mentor too.” They get it!
Tee and Kay both attend Montessori programs. In Montessori schools, kids are grouped into three year classes instead of individual grades like mainstream schools. This means all the 3 to 5-year-olds are in one class, as are the 6 to 8-year-olds, 9 to 11-year-olds, and so on. This unique arrangement creates a built-in mentorship relationship between older and younger students. My kids have learned so much from the older students in their classes who help teach and guide them. Now that they know the term, they’re both excited to become mentors too when they’re the oldest in their class.
We finished our enlightening meal with a decadent dessert: this Future Prospects dessert with red velvet cake, cheesecake mousse, berry sauce, whipped cream, and a white chocolate coin. It’s not just a tasty treat though. $1 from every dessert sold goes to Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects.
Mentors come in many forms: parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, bosses, even Jedi masters! Most of us had a mentor at some point in our lives, but 1 in 3 Canadian kids don’t get enough time with a positive role model, and that’s why we support the Boston Pizza Foundation.
For over 25 years, the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects has been dedicated to connecting kids in need to role models in their own communities so they have the guidance, mentorship, and support necessary to reach their full potential. Boston Pizza provides more than 200,000 hours of mentorship every year, and they’ve provided more than $24 million in donations to date for charity partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters, JDRF, Kids Help Phone, The Rick Hansen Foundation, and Live Different.
How You Can Help
This month you can help kids in 3 different ways!
- Purchase any pizza on February 14th and $1 will go to the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects.
- Order a Future Prospects dessert and $1 will be donated to the Foundation.
- Or give directly by donating $2 for a paper heart. Not only will your heart cut-out help the Foundation and honour your mentor, but you’ll also get $5 off your next meal at Boston Pizza!
Boston Pizza is a fantastic place to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year! Enjoy a dinner out with good food and friendly people, and help connect kids in your community with positive role models who will help them succeed.
Our friendly server, Nicole
Learn more and connect with the Boston Pizza Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Did you have a mentor? What difference did it make in your life?
Win a $50 Boston Pizza Gift Card!
Boston Pizza wants to help one of my readers treat their mentor to a special meal out with a $50 Boston Pizza gift card. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada only, 18+. Enter in the giveaway widget below. All the winner’s entries will be verified.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
I have found many mentors among the amazing coworkers I work with!
My dad. He taught me so many life lessons and supported me throughout my life.
I had a mentor at work who taught me excellent leadership skills
I think it is crucial to have a mentor. I have had many mentors throughout my teen years, a few teachers, and some leaders. They all shared some knowledge with me, and I wouldn’t be who I am without them toady.
I had a mentor for years, working together in wildlife rehabilitation. She taught me so many things and gave me confidence in my abilities, more than just at work but in many other areas of my life as well. We no longer work together but have stayed in contact and see each other a few times a year.
I have had many mentors throughout my life, people who have inspired me or who I have looked up to. They are important because I have learned many things from them.
My late mother was my mentor. She taught me to be kind, patient and loving
to ones family. It does help to have someone who cares.
I would have to say that my older sister has been my mentor…
sadly i have never had a mentor
Having a mentor has been great to move my career forward!
My grandparents were my mentors
I have had alot of encouragement as a volunteer at The Salvation Army.
I have lots of mentors in my life. My grandmother, my mother, my sister! They are all women who I look up to.
A mentor is good because they’re someone you can learn from and look up to
I think mentors are great, we could all use one! I had one when I was younger and it really helped me!
I have never had a mentor.
The librarian at my high school was awesome. We had many conversations and he really inspired me.
I have had many mentors in my life. Starting with my Aunt who taught me how to be a lady and to be an active listener and then onto many other women who showed me how to be strong. Co-workers have also been my mentors. If a person is open to learning then they find a mentor in every aspect of their life.
i’ve had a few mentors. their guidance has been important.
My mom taught me how to be loving and compassionate but my old hockey coach mentored me to become more self confident in myself.
I haven’t had a unique mentor, but I’ve had many (micro) mentors over the course of my life and learned so much from them. Every person we meet we can learn from, whether how to be, or how not to be.
My current boss has been a great mentor to me.I started with the organization as a volunteer after a brain injury.She built up my confidence to where I did her job when she was on holidays.I would have never thought i could reenter the work force.
I don’t think I really had a mentor, but I do think that they are important, especially for someone who just needs a little extra push and support in achieving their potential. If everyone had a mentor, there would just be a lot more success out there
I found some great ideas on your blog.
Being on the frugal plan…we sure would like a dinner out.
Nice treat
Having a mentor is very important for women. I had one woman Robin, who really taught me a lot!
My mom is my mentor and role model. She is hardworking, and always goes above and beyond to help others.
I have had many mentors over the course of my life; always at points I have needed them the most. Either for work and school, mentoring me to be better at my job, more focused, more educated. Mentors in life who have at times been family members, sometimes friends. And each one has created me; more confident, smarter, stronger, loving.
I had a mentor at the first job I got after graduating post secondary. She helped me get adjusted to the work life, and gave me good advice whenever I needed it.
Mentors are important because they help teach and guide you on the right path
I would definitely say i have had a few bosses i looked up to at work
I did have a mentor at work. I found it beneficial as it was someone I could bounce ideas off and get sound advice.
My best friend has been my mentor in life.
One of my mentors was my pediatrician. She was so kind and caring as well as highly competent. I definitely wanted to be like her growing up.
In the workplace I have yet to find a mentor.
I had a mentor at work who taught me many important things. Mentorship is so important because it’s a great way to pass on knowledge!
I used to talk to my mom’s best friend about all the things I couldn’t talk to my mom about. It really helped a lot.
I had a mentor during a work placement in university. She was so helpful in giving me confidence and boosting myself esteem. I don’t think I would have realised my potential without her help.
I can’t really think of a specific mentor. I’ve have a lot of great role models in my life. As a teacher I try to be a mentor as often as I can and be someone kids can look to for help.
I’ve never had a mentor but I wish I did at work. I think it helps with confidence and experience.
I worked with another woman, she was a great boss and taught me so much and was so encouraging with my career she was a true professional
My grandmother was my mentor, taught me everything she knew as I stayed with her for summers.
I have had a mentor and I feel very fortunate to have had one. I think everyone should have a mentor – someone to look up to and who they can turn to for guidance.
I’ve had several mentors throughout the years that come to mind. The one that stands out quite a bit is my grade 4 elementary school teacher. She made a lasting impression on me, she was supportive and displayed to me what a strong woman can be. I will always remember her.
I haven’t had a mentor but I had parents that were involved and grandparents that were involved as well. I think a mentor can be so important for children/teens that don’t have anyone in their life to support them.
My grandpa is my mentor, he helped me grow into the person I am today and has always been there for me.
My mother was my mentor. her work ethic inspires me to this day.
I’ve been a girl guide leader for 20 years, since I was 15. It’s important that girls have positive role models that they can see in their real life.
I think it is important. I haven’t had one but I have been one for others who are starting out in my profession.
I have never had a mentor in my life. I could have used one.
I have a dear friend who has filled the role of mentor and mother figure, I appreciate her guidance and listening ear!