A Defining Moment in a Young Boy’s Life
When I was in fourth grade at Kendall Elementary School, my father was somewhere he wasn’t allowed to tell me. He was a pilot in the Air Force, flying the C-5M Galaxy out of Lackland Air Force Base. At just 11 years old, I knew Dad was far away, but I had no real understanding of what that meant. I didn’t yet grasp the demanding nature of his service, the sacrifices he was making, or the level of commitment his career required.
It wasn’t until Career Day that I began to understand what it meant to have a mentor—a man to look up to.
Career Day was the best day in elementary school. We didn’t have to sit through regular classes, and parents of my classmates came in to share what they did for a living, giving us a glimpse into a world we knew nothing about. There were presentations from firefighters, business owners, and construction workers. Sometimes, we’d get lucky, and a fire truck would be parked outside, sparking a frenzy of excitement as we all begged for a ride with the sirens blaring—though, to our disappointment, they never did.
That year, we were gathered in the music room at Kendall Elementary, sitting cross-legged on the floor as one of my classmates’ fathers, a construction manager, showed us models of heavy machinery and photos of towering buildings. We were mesmerized, our imaginations running wild as he explained how these massive structures were built.
When his presentation ended, we erupted into applause—the kind of deafening, enthusiastic applause only fourth graders can manage.
Then, the next dad was introduced.
My dad walked into the room. In his flight suit. Holding his flight helmet under one arm and carrying a model of a C-5 in the other. I bolted toward him, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him as hard as I could. He set down his helmet and hugged me back. I remember the rough fabric of his flight suit—it felt like soft Velcro against my face. But more than the texture, I remember the strength of his embrace. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to be two things in life:
As great a man as my father.
A pilot.
That memory shaped the man I would become. It was the first time I understood the power of having a mentor and the significance of having someone to look up to.
The Silent Crisis: The Absence of Male Role Models
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to a harsh realization:
Not every young man has a mentor.
Not every young man has a father figure.
Not every young man has a leader to show him how to be a man.
And it shows.
Many societal problems can be traced back to the breakdown of the family unit – the absence of strong father figures and male mentors has created a void. Young men are starving for guidance, discipline, and wisdom, yet many are never taught how to seek it out.
It is our duty as men to learn from those before us, lead those who come after us, and pass down wisdom, discipline, and integrity. Without continual learning and leadership, society fractures, crumbles, and fades. But mentorship isn’t just about fathers and sons. It extends beyond family and into our community and professional lives.
MENtorship in Careers: Learning from the Greats
I am currently in law school, and one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that strong mentorship is just as important in a career as it is in life. In my journey, I have sought out established lawyers—not just to teach me the legal profession, but to guide me in becoming a better man.
Yet, too often, young men are never encouraged to seek out mentors. Instead, they are simply told:
Go to school, get a degree, go to work.
There is so much more hidden in those commas.
In generations past, young men would apprentice under craftsmen, tradesmen, or professionals. The great men who built America and shaped history—leaders like Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, and George Washington—studied under mentors. They didn’t just learn a trade. They learned how to be great men.
Likewise, today’s young men should seek out internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships—not just to gain skills, but to build character and integrity. But mentorship is a two-way street. Young men cannot seek the wise counsel of their elders if their elders will not take them in.
A Call to Action: Kendall County Needs MENtors
Kendall County is one of the most beautiful, thriving areas in Texas: rolling hills, vineyards, stunning ranches, and historic towns, but beauty in nature must be matched by beauty in the people who call it home.
If you are an established man—whether in your career, family, or community—I urge you to seek out mentorship roles:
Volunteer at your church.
Mentor young men at local events.
Offer guidance in the workplace.
You have lessons to teach, and there are young men hungry to learn. And if you are a young man, know this: people want to help you; your journey is just beginning. One day, it will be your turn to pass it forward.
The Wisdom of the Ancients: Lessons from Marcus Aurelius
One of my favorite historical figures is Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher. At the height of his power, he was the richest and most powerful man in the world. Yet, he spent his life writing a journal, never meant to be seen by anyone else. That journal is now known as Meditations, one of the greatest books on wisdom, discipline, and leadership ever written.
In it, Aurelius offers this challenge:
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.”
That single line changed my life.
Final Thoughts: Seek or Look
I am grateful every day for my father. He drives me to be better. He pushes me to learn. He keeps me upright. I thank God for that blessing. But not every young man has a father like mine. So, I leave you with a simple call to action:
Seek or look.
If you are a man with wisdom to share—seek out young men to mentor. If you are a young man in need of guidance—look for an elder who will teach you. Because wherever you are in life—someone needs you. Be the mentor. Be the leader.
Be the man.
