My Mentor Taught Me How To Build Lasting Relationships Within A Community

Patch and When the Game Stands Tall are asking about the coaches, teachers or mentors who inspired you.

Diane Morrison’s mentor taught her to not let failures keep her down!

Mentor Name: Bernard (Barney) C. Reiley, CEO, Rappahannock Area YMCA

Known Mentor for: 14 months

School: Rappahannock Area YMCA

Town: Fredericksburg

State: VA

What mentor taught about success: At the Y, we are about youth development, healthy living, & social responsibility. We open our programs & services to all regardless of their financial situation. Everyday our Community faces new challenges that create a greater need for the work we do. So as the Y’s fundraiser for the financial assistance program, Mr. Reiley taught me to not only greatly appreciate the donation people/businesses give to help others in our Community, but to value each person/business, to build relationships with them, and look beyond the obstacles & see the opportunities for our members, volunteers, staff & generous donors.

What mentor taught about dealing with failure: Don’t let the failures get or keep you down or destroy the passion for what you are doing. We are all human and we all fail one time or another. It’s a great opportunity for learning - to know and understand the reason for the failure and to learn and focus on the skills that will help us to succeed. And to remember to take it one step at a time.

Best advice from mentor: Seek to improve the quality of life within our Community one person at a time.