NABA Reflective Essay

When you hear the word coach and then the word mentor, you might think these words are very much alike. However, they are very different, not only in the characteristics that make up each one but also in how they approach the learner/mentee. The purpose of coaching is to improve an individual’s performance on the job. A coach is someone capable of teaching how to develop skills, mainly by setting goals for the learner. For example, lets take a football coach who is considered an expert in the sport. He has several goals in mind for his team, which includes winning. His plan is to help them develop certain skills to attain that goal; it might be through teamwork, cooperation, strategic thinking, etc. The relationship between the coach and the

Since I was a freshman, I went through this and can relate to these students’ experience and make suggestions either on what I did or didn’t do. There are times when you need a mentor to guide and lead the way, instead of a coach, who is there to improve performance. Being a part of NABA for two years now, has allowed me to develop as a student and get inspired by so many people who reached their goals. This is why I enjoy attending conferences because I am able to learn from others who were once a student like me, who were once in my shoes. Through the NABA UConn chapter, I’ve met people who have become my mentors and encouraged me to apply to scholarships, get involved and inspired me to become a mentor myself. Thus, I decided to participate in METAS, a mentorship program on campus. I can say that being a mentor has taught me what the difference is between a mentor and a coach. The relationships you create differ in so many ways and what you do as each one requires different experiences. There are times when you need a coach to help you overcome obstacles and a mentor when you need someone who has gone through what you are going through to provide