Okay, I am not sure what else to call it, but I was approached by someone the other day about my experiences transitioning in my job with the state and what helped and did not help.
On the one hand, I am somewhat reluctant to help for fear of giving wrong information (i.e. info that might not be "right" for them), while on the other hand, part of me wants to help and provide some guidance or information. I have always tried to follow my heart, but am afraid of getting burned again. Any pearls of wisdom from the collective genius that is BC?
Thanks and hugs
Diana
Comments
If someone is transitioning
shouldn't they have a professional to advise them? I think you are correct to avoid the idea of mentoring, however, if you want to help, can't you simply befriend them; which could be on as profound or distant a relationship as you feel comfortable with. I've done it a few times over the years.
Angharad
Angharad
Agreed
and probably what I will do, but I can't help but see myself at an earlier point in my life there. As for professional help, in the Bible Belt, they are few and far between and invariably 130 miles (215 km?) away. All the local quacks want is your money while they try to drive you to severe depression (2 of my doctors wanted to know the name of the one that almost led me to mine) My psychologist retired last year, but I have the necessary paperwork now. Thank you for the advice and for listening
Hugs
Diana
Teaching vs. Mentoring
A professor or teacher professes what she is confident to be true. Sure, she asks questions and encourages the students to think for themselves (if she's a good teacher,) but she still comes to class knowing the answers.
A mentor is one who has already walked the walk, and who realizes that there are going to be differences -- both minor and major. A mentor asks questions designed to get her apprentice to think, reflects her own experiences and observations, acts as a sounding board, and is often a friend. A mentor admits that she doesn't have the answers.
If you want to see some good examples, start reading through A New Style of Education: Hidden Gifts by Annette MacGregor. Search on the word "Sensi." You will notice that the sensi does not, at any time, actually give Danny the answer.
Ray
You Have Resources HERE
A number of us here have transistioned and can advise you on your mentoring. These incluce starting medication, who to see professionally and what TG groups are in you area. There are other subjects that you may not be familiar with such as the "best" surgeons and how to find a religious institution that is TG friendly. So use us as much as you need to. Besides, girl, us ladies talk things over.
shalimar
Mentoring Is Not Instruction
You impart what happened to you and how you handled it, and now that you have been through it, how you would have handled things differently if needed. You provide a point of view and an example that problems can be survived and overcome. This is not the same as teaching directly, but can provide very valuable assistance. My advice is, do it,
Joanne