National Thank Your Mentor Day

A group of diverse individuals, dressed in professional attire, standing in front of a chalkboard filled with heartfelt thank-you messages.. — National thank your mentor day illustration

Welcome to the exciting world of National Thank Your Mentor Day! This delightful holiday is all about showing appreciation to those incredible mentors who have guided us through life's ups and downs. Whether it's a teacher, coach, boss, or wise old owl, mentors have played a vital role in shaping our lives. So get ready to celebrate and express your gratitude in the most epic way possible!

When is Thank Your Mentor Day?

It's national thank your mentor day on the 21st January.

The Origin of National Thank Your Mentor Day

Now, let's dive into the fascinating history of this extraordinary day. Unfortunately, National Thank Your Mentor Day doesn't have an ancient origin story or an internet meme to credit its inception. Instead, it was established in 2017 by an organization called The Highland Street Foundation. They decided to dedicate a special day to give everyone a chance to acknowledge and thank their mentors for their unwavering support and guidance.

Ever since its creation, National Thank Your Mentor Day has gained momentum and popularity. People from all walks of life take this opportunity to express their gratitude and shower their mentors with appreciation. It has become a day of heartfelt thanks, touching stories, and a chance to honor the exceptional individuals who have made a difference in our lives.

History behind the term 'Thank Your Mentor'

1980

Emergence of the phrase

In the year 1980, the term 'thank your mentor' emerged as a way to express gratitude towards mentors who have provided guidance and support. A mentor is someone who imparts wisdom and knowledge to someone less experienced in a particular field.

1990

Rise of mentorship programs

During the 1990s, mentorship programs gained popularity in various industries and educational institutions. These programs paired experienced individuals with mentees seeking guidance and advice. As the importance of mentor relationships grew, so did the recognition for expressing appreciation towards mentors.

2005

National Mentoring Month

In 2005, January was designated as National Mentoring Month in the United States. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the positive impact of mentoring and to encourage people to thank their mentors. 'Thank your mentor' became a common phrase during this month as individuals acknowledged and appreciated their mentors' contributions.

2010

Social media recognition

In the 2010s, the advent of social media platforms provided a new avenue for expressing gratitude towards mentors. Online communities, hashtags, and campaigns centered around thanking mentors gained traction, enabling individuals to publicly acknowledge the instrumental role of their mentors and sharing their appreciation with wider audiences.

2021

Expanding global recognition

As mentorship continues to be valued worldwide, the concept of thanking mentors has expanded beyond the United States. People globally recognize the importance of expressing gratitude to their mentors, leading to the phrase 'thank your mentor' gaining further international significance.

Did you know?

Did you know that the concept of mentorship dates back to ancient Greece? Yep, even back then, wise sages would take eager apprentices under their wing and guide them through the complexities of life. Talk about a timeless tradition!