by Chris Boline

Being elected the editor-in-chief of The Nevada Sagebrush is a tremendous honor and something I, frankly, thought would never happen to me.

There’s nothing quite like working in a newsroom or being around such an eclectic group of people. However, this piece is not dedicated to my commitment to this position, but to all my mentors I have had along the way to this point. Since January is National Mentoring Month, I would like to take this opportunity to not only talk about the importance of mentoring to myself and to thank those around me, but how I think it can change our society in a positive way. So please excuse me if this comes off as self-righteous or me having a huge ego.

What I want people to realize from this piece is that as college students we have the opportunity to be a mentor to someone less fortunate or that we are already one, but we just don’t know it…yet.

Of course, the biggest role models I’ve had in my life are my parents. Inheriting the work ethic and drive from my dad was a huge blessing. He was also there to tell me to “keep things light” when it seems as though everything is going to shit. My mom gave me the ability to laugh at myself and to be comfortable with my love of Dragon Ball Z (you know you like it too) and find a way to look at the bright side of everyone I meet. Even my little sister has taught me to fight through adversity and that high school girls are the closest things to the Ninth Circle of Hell.

Going through the public school system here in Reno, I have met numerous people who shaped who I am today. At Peavine Elementary School and Clayton Middle School, I met the core members of who would later become “The Lost Boys” (to my parents) and who I have spent an untold number of evenings “Going Keke” or praising Lord Uhrig. You’re the reason why “What’s My Age Again” is so near to my heart. So cheers guys and, like Limp Bizkit said, keep “Rollin.”

Reno High School, however, was the place where I met a number of teachers and individuals who inspired me to find a way and become someone people can respect (or at least try to). All of my English teachers were phenomenal. Mr. McClellan tried to get me on the newspaper. Even though it didn’t pan out, I still appreciated the effort and also your slicked-back hair, along with having mediation time in class. Mr. Busboom was another teacher who found a way to make me work for a high grade in his class without taking myself too seriously.

Although the teachers at Reno helped me an incredible amount, it was the coaches and teammates who taught me the biggest lessons. Mark Smith, the head track and field coach was always able to see the potential in someone and gave me the confidence to be a leader. My apologies for not always “gettin’ on the bus,” but I’ll find some way to pay back my dues to the team. Finally, Lewis Green had the biggest impact on me of any coach, from teaching proper form, scamming on chicks at the Wal (not really) or seeing a bigger picture than beyond high school track.

Of course, how can I not include the stereotypical “college changed my life” paragraph in this column? Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has given me a new look on my life and that my big “little brother” Dominic and his family are another positive influence on who I want to be.

My fraternity has given me an outlet to grow socially and professionally: We’re going to do big things and I’m proud to be a part of it. Although, a special place in my heart is reserved for the RTC, a group of guys everyone should look up to. Finally, the staff at the Sagebrush is the hardest working collection of people I know on this campus; without them I’m nothing.

Looking at all of these people in my life (and the ones I omitted because of the lack of space) I wanted to just thank them again. So if my peers don’t think that they’re mentors, take another look, because no matter who you are, someone is always watching. A little red fox taught me that.

Chris Boline studies managerial sciences and economics. He can be reached at cboline@http://archive.archive.nevadasagebrush.com.