A few thoughts on mentorship. Personally, mentorship is incredibly important to me - both as the mentor and the recipient. But this is not true for everyone and that's okay. If you're a mentor or protege, here are some tips and lessons learned from my experience. 1/x

I had the fortune of having several great mentors from @tomricks1 who taught me to be bold in my writing to @YunaHuhWong who always pushed me to do more and be better. Mentorship can take many forms, dependent on circumstances and personality. 2/x

Either way, the key to leveraging the most out of a mentor is to be available, curious, and willing to put in time and effort. It isn't transactional; it is an investment to learn from their experience and expertise. Trust and candid communication is a must. 3/x

As a mentor, my style of mentoring often centers from giving my charges new opportunities - whether that is co-designing a pet project game with me or editing an article they want to publish. For me, it is about asking myself: Where do they want to go? 4/x

And as their mentor, how can I get them there or connect them to someone else who can help them better? For class, I always try to enable ways they can showcase their games at demostrations, conventions, conferences, or podcasts. 5/x

This enables them to display their skills and build on their labors. But this isn't the only way. The underlying point is to empower your protege to grow under your supervision - with a new skill or new opportunity or new experience. 6/x

Admittedly, this requires a lot from my charges in terms of time and effort - but it is always reciprocated. I will put effort in, so I expect the same. Yet remember they have their own priorities, so remember to be patient and mindful. 7/x

Next, remember mentorship is better as a team effort. I will never have all the answers or solutions for my charges - constrained by my own priorities, experience, & expertise. But I can always listen & help you find someone who can help. 8/x

Also find/be a peer mentor, it is so powerful. Finding a cohort of peers that will push you, keep you accountable, and widen your horizons is invaluable. I have @JCoop8002 & @ian_tb03 who work me relentlessly, but I am better for it. 9/x

Lastly, if you want to be a mentor and have been wondering if you're 'qualified' or 'senior' enough - I encourage you to try. There is always someone who can benefit from your experience, your story to enhance their own. Don't be afraid to take the leap. Fin.