All the world is a stage...

... and we are but players on it" 

- W. Shakespeare 

(Yes, I know I should look it up and reference it properly but you get the idea so let's keep it between us ok?!)

The stage, a training room filled with tables, chairs and post it notes galore. The players, a collection of new and continuing Student Mentors who have pulled themselves out of summer hibernation. Throw in some lighting effects (damn those complicated switches), some action (including throwing a rubber pig at each other) and a large amount of music (can't beat karaoke for a social night) and you have the perfect ingredients for Mentor Training 2012.

Lets do the Time Warp

How many mentors fit on a sheet of A4?

What a fab
5 days they were! 

We explored 

values, networks, personality types, brand awareness, team building, project building, lego, pigs, juggling, affirmations, 

e-portfolios, goal setting and personal development. 

For me the most rewarding part was watching the physical and emotional changes in people as they went through the week and to see new connections and friendships being formed. What was mind blowing and humbling was the support for each other and the sense that here is a group of people rooting for each individual in that room to succeed in whatever they set their mind to. 

Topping the week off with my own graduation too, woah! What an emotional roller coaster I had, but what a rush!!

Me and my hubby 

Four heads are better than One

Armed with a notebook and pen I took myself off, on my tod, to the refectory to come up with some creative ideas of stuff (what? that's a technical term!) to do in the scheme that would raise awareness of key issues, encourage discussions and link into university initiatives......... Who am I kidding??? My office was being used for an external meeting and I hate working from someone else's desk so off I went!

The Challenge

To come up with something fun to do to raise profile and funds as part of breast cancer awareness and Movember.

The Result

Wow! Within half an hour I'd been joined by three mentors and the ideas were in full flow. From naked calendars to cookbooks to rubber duck races and super heroes! Bam, bam, bam, and another one, and another one! In truth we have enough stuff (seriously, it's a technical word!) to keep us busy for months and what's more, we're all really excited to get started :)

So what's my point? Well if I have to have one, and sometimes random waffle is perfectly acceptable I think, my point is that getting out of the office, sitting with people and actually talking face to face can generate some amazing results. My other point is that I have been reminded, once again, of what a creative, open minded and down right bonkers bunch of people I am lucky enough to work with and that makes me smile.

See, proof that its a 'technical term!'

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