On Mentorship

When I look back through the years of learning and applying whatever knowledge I've found, what disturbs me is the fact that I've never had a long-term mentor. Sure, I did go through acting workshops under New Voice Company, then there are those kind souls from whom I've learned a lot from. But I've never been anyone's 'apprentice.'

With the two disciplines I'm currently engaged in--graphic design and making comics--I learned (and am still learning) the ropes on my own, through research, trial and error, and feedback from peers, readers, and clients. I was never part of a group that shared knowledge and insight on what I needed to do to improve in these disciplines. Yes, there was the Alamat Comics Group, but that was mostly the boat that held everyone afloat. We didn't have workshops or group-wide collaborations, and we didn't challenge each other with criticism or ways to improve.

Perhaps there's a stubborn part of me that refuses to be mentored, my Aquarius side that indulges in exploration--the thrill of clawing at the unknown--or one that strokes a pride that doesn't want to be kneaded into a mold. Still, when my friends tell me of their experiences with their mentors, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. In some way, an authority figure who can guide me could have saved me a lot of time in learning the ropes, and provided a stable jump off point towards more focused development.

Then there's the desire to teach what I have learned, but there exists the feeling that I don't know enough, or that I'm not that much of an authority to give my knowledge the necessary bite. My limited experience as a supervisor and classroom instructor may be enough, and I believe I can make a learning experience interesting and fun, but giving out hard and practical knowledge is what I'm gunning for. I've been fiddling with the idea of mentoring someone, but there are two setbacks: 1) is there anyone who would want to learn from me over the long term? and 2) given willing students, would I be able to devote the time and energy required to make their experience worthwhile?

Comments

Xiaobucks said…
Sir... Try teaching at UST...I heard Eros Atalia teaches there too...i'm not sure though.....

God bless...

Poskrif...

Para malibot niyo na din po ang library... God bless po ulit and more power...
Anonymous said…
I would very much like to learn from you! teach me! ^_^
Clayman said…
carl, even if you had no formal mentor, you did well naman, don't you think? i miss you, bro. ingats. =)
Xiaobucks said…
Sir, may punto po si "Angelo" doon, talaga pong you have done so much with just a few mentors...

Parang you are someone who went under serious and long mentorship pero behind this "Boy Abunda look alike" is a very self reliant man... naku sorry po for the sudden comparison...may similarity kasi eh, the hair style plus the spectacles... Smiling face...

God bless and more power Sir...

poskrif...
bakit ba hindi ako nauubusan ng poskrif?
Excited pa rin po ako sa ZZZ2...hahaha
'yun lang
Carver said…
xiaobucks...nakows, medyo may kalayuan ang UST. Pero it would be great to visit.

And, yeah, you're not the only one who refers to Boy Abunda. :)

More power din!

anonymous... heheheh...would be nice... ummm... if I knew who you were. heheheh

angelo...marami pa akong kakaining bigas, tinapay, at kung anu-ano pa. :) Sana okey ka diyan.

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