The Day I Became a Mentor Without Planning It

in Steem4Nigeria29 days ago (edited)

IMG_20250812_075849_265.jpg
Me and my mom in the Morning

This morning, I woke up around 9:30 a.m.—a little later than usual, but it felt right since it was Saturday. Sometimes, the body simply asks for rest, and I allowed myself that grace without guilt. Rest, after all, is not laziness; it is preparation for the responsibilities ahead. My mom was washing clothes, doing some cleanup, and preparing breakfast as well. By 10:30 a.m., I was already at work, expecting just another ordinary day.

IMG_20250819_073358_981.jpg
Off for Work

The unexpected Surprise
Life has a way of surprising us in the most unexpected moments. To my amazement, a new apprentice was brought to my office for training. Her name is Favour, and in that instant, I felt a quiet but profound sense of responsibility settle upon me. I have never had an apprentice before, so my very first thought was, "Where do I even begin?" It was humbling, somewhat overwhelming, yet strangely exciting—a reminder that growth often comes wrapped in duties we have never carried before.

Her guardian spoke with sincerity, assuring me that she would continue to bring Favour as her name implies, because of the consistent service I have rendered to them over time. Those words touched me deeply. It was more than just a statement—it was a testimony. A testimony that every act of service, no matter how small, creates ripples that extend far beyond the present moment. What I once considered ordinary service had, in fact, planted seeds of trust. And today, I watched those seeds bloom into an unexpected opportunity—the chance to guide, to mentor, and to shape someone’s journey.

Around 2:30 p.m., her guardian left, and it was time for me to truly step into my new role as a teacher. I began by showing her the basics—how to set up the computer for typing and the functions of major keys such as Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Caps Lock, and Tab. Once she got familiar with the keyboard layout, I introduced her to Mavis Beacon, a program designed to build typing skills step by step.

Lesson Begin

Now, you may wonder: What exactly is Mavis Beacon?
Mavis Beacon is a well-known computer software program created to teach typing skills. First released in 1987 by The Software Toolworks (later acquired by Broderbund and other publishers), it quickly became one of the most popular typing tutor programs worldwide.

The program features:

· Typing lessons and drills—from beginner to advanced levels.

· Games and interactive exercises that make learning fun.

· Performance tracking – words per minute (WPM), accuracy, and progress reports.

· Customized lessons tailored to the learner’s weak points.

Interestingly, Mavis Beacon is not a real person. She was created as a fictional character by the publishers, and her image was represented by a model’s face on the software cover to make the learning experience more engaging. Over the years, this fictional teacher became so iconic that many believed she was real. To this day, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is still used in schools, training centers, and by individuals across the world to improve their keyboarding skills.

IMG_20250823_105012_890.jpg
Watching Favour Practicing with Mavis Beacon

Watching Favour take her first steps in typing with Mavis Beacon was inspiring. It reminded me that teaching is not just about passing knowledge but about opening doors to new skills and possibilities. For her, it was the start of a learning journey. For me, it was the realization that mentorship is both a responsibility and a gift.
As I sat reflecting, I realized that this was no ordinary Saturday. It was more than just another day at work. It was a turning point, a gentle reminder that life often pushes us into roles we think we are unprepared for, only to reveal that the strength and capacity have been within us all along.
What began as a quiet morning turned into a day of awakening—an awakening to responsibility, to influence, and to the hidden opportunities that lie in service. Service is never wasted; it is an investment in people, in relationships, and in futures we may never fully see. Today, I was reminded that the measure of a life well-lived is not in what we keep to ourselves, but in what we pour into others.
This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of mentorship. It is not about knowing everything or being perfect—it is about being willing to guide, to share, and to inspire. Sometimes, the best lessons we give are not in what we teach, but in the example we set. And perhaps, just perhaps, this is the beginning of something greater—not just for Favour, but for me as well.

So, as the day draws to a close, I carry with me this quiet truth: every day has the potential to transform us. Today transformed me—not through grand achievements or loud victories, but through the simple gift of being entrusted with another person’s growth.

✨ Life Lesson: Never underestimate the value of your daily efforts. What you do with consistency, humility, and sincerity may look small, but it can open doors you never imagined. Someone is always watching, learning, and being inspired by your actions. And when the right moment comes, those silent seeds of service will grow into opportunities that remind you why it always pays to do good.

Thank you all for taking your time to read my post, God Bless you and give you your own surprise.