When contacted by Brian Golden, staff writer, to see if I would like to try writing the outdoors column, it came as quite a surprise. I knew my experience in the field was sufficient, but my writing abilities were of personal concern. I mentioned coming up with information for columns would be no problem, but proper punctuation and writing form could be an issue. Thankfully, they were happy to fill in the blanks, so I agreed to try it out. On the 17th of March I received another call from Brian, interim managing editor, asking if I would like to begin a weekly column. He informed me that someone had stated, “it’s like having Bob (McNitt) back,” and that he was receiving positive feedback towards my column. My hopes are that my writing does feel familiar in that the same values Bob had are the values I strive to achieve. The shoes to fill are quite large in my case, but rest assured I will do my best to fill them.
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Mentoring has been a practice mentioned in many of my columns. The dictionary definition of a mentor is, “a wise and trusted guide and advisor,” the action of a mentor is to, “serve as a teacher or trusted counselor.” The goal of a mentor is to pass on learned skills in hopes of changing a life. I was raised in the Virginia Beach area until I was almost 13. Although I was able to fish, I always wanted to hunt, but never got the chance because there was nowhere close to go. Upon moving to New York, the “where” was easy. There were woods everywhere, but the “how” was quite a deterrent. I was fortunate to meet the older brother of a friend who hunted and was happy to show me how it was done. His name is Craig Downey, and I will be forever grateful for his time and help. The fact is, he unknowingly changed my life. As many youngsters I was spending a lot of my time running around town getting into trouble. The path I was on was directly diverted by the call of the wild.
For the last ten years I have been passing on my knowledge of the outdoors to anyone in need. I feel by being involved with the Evening Sun I’ve gained the ability to reach a larger audience. While my articles tend to be focused on the beginner, I hope you seasoned pros out there can grab a tidbit here and there. Keep sending all those hints and tips, I’ll be sure to try out and pass on as many as possible.
As aforementioned in a previous article, I had been pretty much disabled for twelve years. My ability to keep up with everyone around me was greatly hindered. I found myself having to sidestep relationships and push people away. The inability to plan for tomorrow made it impossible for me to see a relationship or family future without causing them distress. Unfortunately, a byproduct of that mindset is a somewhat careless and worry-free attitude. I have actually made the statement when someone said be careful don’t fall through the ice, not a problem, no one depending on me. As scary a statement as that is, that is how I felt at the time. Thanks to a flight to Phoenix, the modern marvel of lasers and a handful of outdoor students, I am beginning to feel less that way daily. By mentoring and writing, I now feel there are people looking up to and depending on myself. The fear of letting down someone I’ve tried to build up has become a driving force in my life.
No one is perfect and everyone has had regrets in their lives. We all remember instances in our lives where we’ve made negative or damaging decisions. By choosing an equally positive task and completing it, I feel we can enable ourselves to move into the future with a clean slate. Teaching of positive life lessons provide the how to, but teachings of negative experiences may prevent that experience in a student’s life. Although, I take people out to change their lives, I may have inadvertently changed my own! I look at teaching and writing for others as a privilege, and don’t take it lightly. Were it not for Beth Nassar, a resource room teacher at the Norwich High School, writing for me at any acceptable level would have been impossible. She took me from a weak writer to a writing award recipient upon graduation. Her help and encouragement was a large reason why I even entertained the thought of writing.
As with most mentors, thanking them is nothing compared to passing on what they had given to you. In my book, The Nassar Rule, comes into play for the children not doing well in school. Not only passing, but exceeding current grades is my focus. By offering rewards such as fishing trips and outings afield for outstanding achievements, I have found a way to help these children help themselves. Reflecting back on childhood I would do something ten times I didn’t want to do for a one-time pay off. This is how education works best: Goal, work, work, work, then pay off. You can’t switch the order or you will end up with a spoiled child.
Being a mentor has no age limitation or guidelines as for what is to be done. I was running the ice fishing booth and saw a perfect example of this. Evan Meek, age seven, gave up his chance to fish to help teach and let others do so. His father, Jared, and I, promised to take him out as a reward for setting such a great example. Evan was rewarded with a beautiful brown trout while Jared and I were paid in full with a smile and a thank you.
Good wishes and give ‘til you get!