Mentors of the Heart

Yvette Neshi Lokotz (Jan, 2018)

Do you remember the one mentor of yours that not only changed your life, but was your number one role model? Having a mentor is important to your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

The mentor I cherish to this day was Mrs. Counsell. She was my best boss. Mrs. Counsell was the first non-Native Elder who took an interest in my life and was there to listen, share her childhood experiences as fables, and encouraged me to do the best job no matter what the job was at the time.

I was 18 years old and not married yet. I worked for Parson’s Indian Trading Post in Lake Delton, WI. Mrs. Counsell owned the Trading Post. One of her sons ran the day to day operations and hired me for a sales clerk position.

I would show up for work in the mornings just in time. Mrs. Counsell never missed anything happening within the Post. She would smile at me as I pulled— rather quickly—into the parking lot knowing I was cutting it close to be on time. I remember the time she found me at the pop machine soon after I arrived at work and noticed I bought an orange soda. She asked me, “Why orange?”

I told her it was the closest drink to orange juice. After that pop machine encounter with her, she had orange juice in the communal refrigerator as well as English muffins for the new toaster. Now, I could have had breakfast at home, but I woke up just in time to shower and drive to work. Mrs. Counsell never lectured me about getting up earlier to have breakfast, or that breakfast was an important meal. She just supplied the opportunity and it was up to me to grab the opportunity.

Sweeping is a necessity – pay attention to the corners as the middle of the room will take care of itself.

Mrs. Counsell was interested in my college education. She would ask me what classes I signed up for and the area I was considering for my major. Her favorite comment to me was, “Once you have gained an education, no one can take it away from you.” She also had another saying, “sweeping is a necessity, pay attention to the corners as the middle of the room will take care of itself.” This quote is one of my favorite quotes from her as it was about the mundane that translated to life in general. Details are important; the unseen is important.

When Mrs. Counsell Walked On (passed away) my favorite mentor and role model left many of us adrift. We had to learn how to continue on our way without her suggestions and nurturing. I still remember her afternoon talks with me while we worked. I know now how special that time was because she took time out from her business to spend time with me.

It is Mrs. Counsell’s way of caring for others that showed me how to be kind to others and to take time to be with them to share experiences and stories that may turn out to be helpful.

Do you have a mentor? Have you been a mentor? Do you want to mentor? Mentorship is important.

Bama Mine (Until We Meet Again), Neshi

Yvette Neshi Lokotz A tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, with Ho-Chunk Nation and Yaqui Nation descent, Neshi was raised in the traditions of Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi cultures. She is a publisher, drum maker, and a Medicine Dress Dancer. Neshi is the C.E.O. of Star Nations Organization, which includes Star Nations Publishing, Star Nations Magazine, Star Nations Live Stream, and Star Nations Academy. She holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in Management and Organizational Behavior. starnationspublishing@gmail.com | fb: StarNationsOrganization