Oftentimes, a simple discussion can lead to innovation. In February 2026, I got the unique opportunity to participate in the Student Mentor Program at John Cabot University in Rome (JCU). This is a peer-to-peer entrepreneurship initiative that brings together university and high school teams to transform ideas into real business concepts.
As I began my mentoring commitment, it soon became a dynamic journey of collaboration, ingenuity, and personal growth. As a mentor, I had huge responsibilities to carry on my shoulders, such as guiding, empowering, and navigating my team through the entire process, from the initial idea to the finalized concept and presentation.
Yet, the primary goal that I set for myself was to teach my mentees the psychology and mentality of an entrepreneur. Most importantly, based on my previous experience, I recognized the need to introduce them to the importance of respect and discipline. I believe these are the two main variables that, if followed reciprocally, will not take too long to produce results.
Over the successive weeks, we dived into the work, brainstorming ideas, exploring, and identifying environmental problems, and gradually shaping realistic and structured solutions for them.
Moreover, I noticed how the cross-cultural exchange formed naturally while working closely with students. I enjoyed every meeting, working with students full of enthusiasm and fresh ideas, which constantly reminded me to make the most of our resources and opportunities.
As a mentor, I took the role of a catalyst for youth. That being said, besides sharing knowledge, offering advice, and providing regular feedback, I structured my meetings and discussions in a way that would encourage them to work beyond their limitations. I wanted to see them operate as a team while facing challenges, finding solutions through hard work and dedication, thinking not just outside the box but removing the box altogether, and ultimately helping them recognize the power of their consistency and discipline.
This mentoring experience was full of unforgettable moments. It provided me with a wonderful opportunity to enhance my cross-cultural background while supporting the young, talented students of the Italian high school.
Seeing my mentees develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence in their ideas — and manage to incorporate the knowledge they have gained into their final proposals — was both inspiring and rewarding. As the saying goes, “It is the journey; the journey is what brings us the most enjoyment, happiness, not the destination.”
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