Be genuine.

Many mentors worry that they will fail the kids they are mentoring or that their mentees will think they are “uncool.” On the latter count, harbor no doubt. All but the youngest mentees will not think you are cool (happening, hip, groovy, awesome, da bomb, sweet, or whatever word applies in your own generational lingo). “Cool,” however, is not what most young people seek. They are looking for adults who have a genuine interest in them and are competent enough in the ways of the world to help them get where they want to go.