The Power of Gratitude: Building Resilience and Confidence in Youth

Phoenix, AZ – October 28, 2025

For Nathan, gratitude isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a practice that shapes how he lives and how he shows up for his mentee. He shares how this simple yet profound mindset has deepened their relationship — from moments of shared adventure, like rock climbing, to quieter times of conversation and reflection. Through these experiences, Nathan has seen how expressing gratitude can shift a young person’s perspective from “why me?” to “what can I learn from this?”

In mentoring, gratitude becomes a tool for resilience. It helps youth see challenges not as walls but as stepping stones. As Nathan explains, gratitude allows his mentee to reframe difficulties — to recognize progress, celebrate small wins, and build confidence in their own ability to overcome obstacles. It’s a way of nurturing self-trust, the foundation of long-term growth.

At New Pathways for Youth, we know transformation doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intention, reflection, and meaningful connection. In this episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, our Director of Curriculum and Training, Mark Garcia, sits down with mentor Nathan Shiya for a powerful conversation about the role of gratitude in mentoring and personal growth.

Mark and Nathan also explore how mentors can model gratitude in small, everyday ways. Writing thank-you notes, celebrating effort instead of perfection, or simply acknowledging what went well in a day — these gestures show youth that gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion. It’s a daily habit that rewires how we see ourselves and the world around us.

At New Pathways for Youth, we see the power of this every day. When mentors approach each interaction with gratitude — for the opportunity to guide, to listen, to witness change — they invite their mentees to do the same. This mutual appreciation transforms relationships from transactional to transformational. Gratitude builds bridges of trust, creating a space where youth can feel seen, valued, and capable of shaping their own futures.

As Nathan puts it, gratitude helps us recognize that every moment matters. It reminds us to slow down, to notice growth as it happens, and to appreciate the journey — even when it’s challenging. That shift in mindset can mean everything for a young person learning to believe in their own potential.

Ultimately, this episode reminds us that gratitude isn’t passive — it’s an active choice that can change the trajectory of a life. Whether it’s a mentor writing a letter, a mentee sharing a reflection, or a community celebrating a milestone, every act of appreciation strengthens the fabric that connects us all.

Gratitude is how we turn moments into meaning and meaning into transformation.

Listen to The Mentorship Blueprint and join Mark and Nathan as they unpack how gratitude can build resilience, deepen connection, and unlock the limitless possibilities within every young person. Ready for insights that transform? Listen to the Mentorship Blueprint Podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.