Why I Mentor: Rob McDonald
This Is Why I Mentor Series
A series to share, educate, and inspire others with mentoring stories.
We have all had one in our lives…. Someone we look up to. Someone we call when we have questions, concerns, and frustrations. Someone who provides sound and nurturing wisdom. Someone we can expose our true selves to and still feel supported. Someone we can hunt with. Someone we can fish with. Someone we can spend time with. A mentor.
This series is meant to be a way to educate and motivate you to give back to others. It is designed to inspire you to become a mentor. It is a reminder to thank your mentor. Hopefully the advice and stories shared here will leave you nothing short of empowered!
Mentor: Rob McDonald
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN MENTORING?
19 years
WHAT DOES MENTORING MEAN TO YOU?
For me mentoring means giving back, and passing on a passion and tradition for the outdoors. Exposing someone to a new experience, helping them develop an appreciation for natural resources, and offering an opportunity to source food from nature is as beneficial to me as it is to the new outdoors-person.
WHO WAS/IS YOUR MENTOR?
My Grandfather
WHY DO YOU MENTOR?
I enjoy sharing my passion, experiences, and the out of doors.
HOW CAN SOMEONE ELSE MENTOR?
There are many organizations that can help connect mentors with people looking for outdoors experiences. National organization chapters like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation can help, at a more local level churches, schools, farmers markets, local state game office, and local sporting goods stores can offer a way to connect.
WHAT IS YOUR ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A MENTOR?
Put yourself out there, go for it, the rewards are more than worth the work in the end.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MENTORING MOMENT?
There are so many, but hunting with my sons, and making so many new friends through hunting, fishing, and camping.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A MENTOR AND TRYING TO SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR HUNTING?
Schedules seem like they are more and more full. Trying to work in time to get out and enjoy the outdoors can be a challenge. Trying to find a place to go and be successful is probably the second issue.
