It takes genuine wisdom to be a mentor, the pleasure of which should come from instilling respect rather than trying embodying, force it for one self. It is a skill difficult for many, impossible for some. You've spoken well here of what happens when the wrong person is in place. Thanks.

...sMh, i love this from start to finish, m'lady i once had either this person or her identical twin; she had me, called herself Princess and bygolly to her she was; and she was alllll about her mentor, mentor this mentor that; next semester she took Algebra, failing it, i asked did her mentor know of the difficulty and she snapped back[in Princess-ian fashion]"that's none of her business". man a feather could've knocked me over...love your words.

This piece speaks volumes -- well done! Unfortunately, a lot of youth (myself once included) look for mentors in the most unfortunate places, just hoping to belong, hoping for some sort of recognition -- childhood is a very delicate time, and you piece it together so beautifully.

Wow, Sandy, this one just pierces my heart. I am glad you had the chutzpah and the skill to write this. It is one of the most serious of sins to harm the young, but even more a horror when the perpetrator is unwilling to admit the fault and take responsibility. I have to believe that those who do this will be held accountable at some level eventually. Thanks Sandy, this has a tragic beauty.

I'm not often given to quoting 'favourite' lines, but and choke the life/out of beauty sold me on this one.
Sad to acknowledge that this 'syndrome' is all too frequently exhibited not only by 'mentors', but also by parents, who often seem to forget they were once endowed with youth.