THE FOUNDATION

The installation of a sound foundation or under-layment is critical to the stability of a ceramic floor. If this process is not taken serious, the ceramic tile will not endure the pressure of everyday foot traffic, which results in what has been termed “Stress Cracks”. In life, I equate the “foundation” to morals and family. Similar to the installation of ceramic tile, if our foundation in life is not level and strong enough to endure the pressures of everyday life, we will eventually crack from the stress.Teaching this principle through mentoring provides the support that is sorely missed from many families today, which fulfills the concept of the village.

THE DEMO

In many cases, the first process for installing ceramic tile is the tear-out or demo. This is when the youth and I remove the existing floor and/or what’s damaged, causing a problem or simply no longer serving its purpose to the homeowner. This process is very strenuous and requires a disciplined mind to complete. In life this parallels the process a person goes through when they are trying to redirect themselves on the path of life. Bad company corrupts good morals, so I use this principle to increase a youth’s endurance against the pressures of life. I encourage them to purge everything in their lives that may hinder them from living up to their potential. After this process is completed, the chances for a youth to be able to withstand life’s many unexpected challenges are tremendously increased.

PREPARATION & LAYOUT

The preparation and layout is also a critical stage for a successful ceramic tiled floor or wall. Laying out the tiles first not only reduces the risk of a mistake, but also gives you an idea of how the floor or wall will look once its finished. I parallel this principle to planning out life goals and aspirations; i.e. college, career & retirement. Today, many youth due to various circumstances go through life without a plan and when they reach an age by which they hoped to have accomplished many of their “unplanned” goals, they get frustrated, disillusioned and make a series of unhealthy decisions. I remind them that the will to finish is worthless if you do not have the will to prepare.

COMPLETION

As you can see, installing ceramic tile correctly can be very demanding physically & mentally, but the sacrifice is rewarding financially and professionally. And like wise investing in the life of a young person is rewarding in ways beyond measure. Although I still feel the aches from being on my knees for over 12 years, in hindsight I am thankful for the experience, I’ve learned to value being in a low position (humble). Crawling before walking is a lost art amongst this generation of youth but we must rediscover this valuable principle to eradicate the “fast life” and “fast death”mentality.

This article is not to teach you “How To” install ceramic tile, but to serve as a simple example of how you too can use principles learned from your everyday work or profession to influence positive change in a youth’s life. Resulting in more productive citizens in our communities. We would love to hear stories and testimonies of those of you who are already engaged in this age old and life changing practice of mentoring.

Jason Wilson
President/Founder, The Yuinon