Why I Mentor: Don Gribble

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: Don Gribble

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN MENTORING?

For 3-4 years several years ago when I had a “little brother” through the BBBS program and again recently

WHAT DOES MENTORING MEAN TO YOU?

The outdoors has been a very big part of my life. I can remember (and it’d be about 50 years go!) walking alongside my Dad/brother pheasant hunting when I had a kid’s bow/arrow, the next year progressing to a BB gun and the next to a .410 shotgun. Hunting/fishing/camping with family and friends has allowed me to enjoy God’s nature, experience “good clean fun,” be active outside the house and connect with others. Literally innumerable great memories have been created.

WHO WAS/IS YOUR MENTOR?

My Dad

WHY DO YOU MENTOR?

My Dad

HOW CAN SOMEONE ELSE MENTOR?

Simply give a ½ day every once in a while. In so doing, you can help a young boy or girl get away from a TV, cell phone or a video game and create great memories.

WHAT IS YOUR ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A MENTOR?

There’s absolutely zero downside to it and 100% upside in helping the life of another person.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MENTORING MOMENT?

Watching my “little brother” and my son get their first deer

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A MENTOR AND TRYING TO SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR HUNTING?

Forcing myself to take time to give back so others can experience what has blessed my life, but after I do, I’m always glad I did so.