Why You Need Mentors Who Don’t Look Like You
When we think of mentorship, most of us picture someone who shares our background, our values, maybe even our career path. We look for ourselves in them—hoping their success can map onto our journey.
But Jada Samuel offers a very different – and powerful – perspective:
“Your mentor doesn’t have to look like you.
They don’t have to talk like you, vote like you, or come from the same neighborhood.
They just have to believe in you.”
Jada’s story, as both a mentee and a mentor, reminds us that the best guidance often comes from those who challenge your perspective—not just mirror it.
Diversity in Mentorship = Diversity in Growth
College is a time of identity formation. Students often seek out mentors they feel safe with—those who understand their story without explanation. That’s important. But it’s also important to expand your circle beyond what’s familiar.
Growth doesn’t just come from comfort—it comes from exposure.
When your mentor brings a completely different lens to the table—whether that’s generational, cultural, racial, or ideological—they help you:
- See opportunities you never knew existed
- Navigate spaces you’ve never entered
- Rethink your definition of success
How to Find a Mentor Who’s Different From You
You don’t need a viral moment or perfect elevator pitch. You need curiosity, humility, and a willingness to connect across difference.
Here’s how to start:
- Be open-minded. Your mentor might be in an unexpected space: a class, a panel, a community event.
- Lead with shared values, not surface similarities. Look for people who live the life you want—even if they got there differently.
- Be intentional. Ask for a conversation, not a commitment. Mentorship often grows from small, consistent interactions.
- Honor the exchange. Come prepared, follow up, and ask how you can support them.
And Then…Be That Mentor for Someone Else
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be old. You just have to show up—with honesty, empathy, and a willingness to walk alongside someone else.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t see anyone like me in leadership,” consider this:
Sometimes the people who don’t look like you are the very ones who can help you get there.
And once you arrive—be that person for someone else.