Why I Mentor: Wade Skeen
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: Wade Skeen
OCCUPATION:
United State Air Force, Skeen Gundogs Outfitters, Derby Ducks Unlimited Volunteer
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN MENTORING?
With Outdoor Mentors, 1 year. In general, for as long as I can remember going all the way to my younger brother when we were growing up.
WHAT DOES MENTORING MEAN TO YOU?
It ensures conservation. We NEED people in the outdoors to be stewards of the resources available. That doesn't happen without us as the current outdoorsmen and women, recruiting more people.
WHO WAS/IS YOUR MENTOR?
My Dad. Hands down. He spent every free minute with my brother and myself.
WHY DO YOU MENTOR?
To pass on the experiences the outdoors can provide.
HOW CAN SOMEONE ELSE MENTOR?
It doesn't have to be formal. Find that person at work or school or church that pays attention when you're talking about hunting or fishing. They're likely interested and are just waiting on the invite.
WHAT IS YOUR ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A MENTOR?
Just take the first step. Once you see how beneficial it is, you'll never look back.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MENTORING MOMENT?
Taking a father and son on probably the greatest waterfowl hunt of their lives. Given the relationship I have with my Dad, it was really special to know I helped create a memory that father and son will talk about for years to come.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A MENTOR AND TRYING TO SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR HUNTING?
Ha! Time! They ain't making any more of it. Between work, family and volunteering, it's all a balancing act. Sometimes you stay on the tight rope and sometimes you come tumbling down. You just have to keep trying!
