After spending some time in a mentoring relationship, Kelly-Anne was able to report:   “Having a mentor is like having a friend to share ideas with and walk alongside you.  I like my mentor because she had a good perception of my situation and was flexible, for example, in arranging suitable times for us to meet.  She was always there for me to guide and support me in setting goals.”  She went on to say, “I liked outside help because my mentor was open, honest and not afraid to tell me if she thought I was doing something wrong.  I appreciated that greatly.  It was really good having someone different to talk to, not just a family member.  Mentoring is good because it covers a variety of things such as setting goals, team building, relationships, personal development and gaining confidence.”

When asked why the help of a mentor was different from the help of a family member, Kelly-Anne replied, “Although I have a close relationship with my family and they support me, it’s really helpful to have an outside person looking in and willing to give help when needed.  With my mentor Rosemarie, I felt like I had a friend who I could go out with into the community for coffee and a chat.”

In reply to the question as to whether she would change anything about the mentoring process, Kelly-Anne responded, “I wouldn’t change anything because I am now stronger in myself, my confidence has grown and my self-esteem is good.  I’m able to do things I thought were impossible to manage previously; for instance, setting goals, better support for Jorja my daughter, budgeting and many more.”

Kelly-Anne finished off by affirming that she would ask for a mentor again and would recommend Fresh Perspective mentors to others.  “I have now moved to another city and have asked for a mentor there also.”  Kelly-Anne is now matched with a new mentor in her new city.