A MENTOR IS AN EDDY

    

A gang may appear as a safe eddy. A gang can give you a place of rest: you may end up resting in the grave or resting behind bars. Federal Court determines the amount of resting time for many alleged gang members.

  

 

Birds will rest in eddies.

          Character is like the ebb and flow of a river. The current changes at every bend of the river. Life is full of white water; rapids and turbulence are normal characteristics in the currents of a river. An eddy can be a place of rest in a wild river.

           Eddies in a river are circular whirlpools caused by obstacles in the river. A large rock can cause the water behind it to flow in a circular motion. As the water meets the obstacle, a reverse current is created as water flows on the sides of the obstacle. An eddy is generally a good place to rest as the swift current is interrupted.

CAUTION! Some eddies can be dangerous! In very powerful currents, an eddy may actually capsize your craft. The metaphor of a Mentoring Eddy is simply a Mentoring Metaphor. This is not a guide for safety on a river! A gang may appear as a safe eddy. A gang can give you a place of rest: you may end up resting in the grave or resting behind bars.

          As a Mentoring Eddy, you are providing a place in your heart where somebody can rest and feel safe knowing they can trust you. DO NOT BREAK THAT TRUST! The river of a young persons life has enough turbulence, a Mentor should not appear as more white water. Be committed to a long relationship that is rock solid and safe.

Authors Note: The term "eddy" has also been used as a degrading slang term. Sometimes young people will use the term referring to a special education student. Mockery is a powerful eddy that can capsize positive character development.

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