Typically an early career politician makes their mark with legislation or policies that show quick results that fit well into the four-year election cycle. A mentorship program for middle school students is just the sort of thing that would be panned by most, but Mayor Marilyn John of Shelby isn’t most politicians.
John grew up in Shelby, returned there after college, and except for a few years away has called Richland County home for most of her life. When asked about her own mentors she didn’t name drop key members of her party or other people of power or influence.
Without hesitation she began by talking about her late mother, and then her father, a teacher, her aunts.
“I am a lot like my mom and she taught me that I could be anything that I wanted to be. She taught me how to be a mom. She taught me how to be a wife. She taught me how to stand up for myself. She had high expectations for us and she also supported us in everything that we did,” said John.
The first in her family to attend college, John fell in love on her first visit to a campus when she was in high school. Her mother had always instilled in her the confidence that she could do whatever she put her mind to, and so she went to college.
“From the first moment I set foot on campus I was in love. I just loved everything about college.”
Years later John became mayor of Shelby and it didn’t take long for her to notice that nearly every meeting she attended was populated predominantly by men. Where were the female leaders?
With a little reflection on her own life, John thought of her path to leadership. The child of working-class parents, she was instilled with values of hard work and confidence, but college rarely entered family discussions. In thinking of her own coming of age she realized that she couldn’t be the only young woman who had not been exposed to campus life.
Instead of discussing this quandary in meetings John took it upon herself to do something, and Leader Richland was born.
The program is now entering its third year. On alternate years female, and then male, middle school students take a day-long field trip to the Ohio State Mansfield and North Central State College campus. During the day they meet local business, community, and nonprofit leaders while getting a taste of the college campus environment and experience.
“There are a lot of kids that don’t understand that college is an option. I don’t think we promote what is in our own backyard enough.”
Mentorship is near and dear to John’s heart. Some of her early experiences as a mentor were the result of her forming a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group in Shelby when her children were young. John was a stay at home mom at the time and creating the group was rewarding. She ended up passing along some of the mentoring from her own mother as she created a supportive community of local moms.
Upon becoming mayor, a seemingly unlikely mentor showed up to advise John. Lydia Reid was the first female, and longest-serving mayor of Mansfield from 1993-2007. She also happens to be a Democrat, John is a Republican.
Reid contacted John shortly after she was elected and has been an ongoing source of encouragement, support and mentorship.
“It’s not about the parties, it’s about supporting each other. Even now at events she seeks me out,” said John.
John is quick to point out that she is fortunate. “I’ve been very blessed. Throughout my life there have been people to love me and support me in different ways.”
She also understands that not everyone comes from a family like hers or has a successful person like Reid seek them out. Her advice, “No matter what someone says to you or about you, you are beautifully and wonderfully made. We all bring something special to this world. Surround yourself with positive people and stay away from people who don’t believe in you.”
John also has a challenge for adults. “Mentor a child today. It’s the biggest way we can change the world.”
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Ohio needs volunteers click here for more information.
Note: January is National Mentoring Month. It focuses attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to assure positive outcomes for our young people.
