How do you approach an instructor for a mentorship?

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I talked to a campus counselor about some of the struggles I'm having, and she introduced me briefly to two instructors around campus that she thought could be potential mentors or just people in senior positions for me to reach out to. I have their cards with e-mail and office phone, and I'm welcome to contact them any time.

Problem is, I have no idea how to reach out to them or develop a mentor-pupil relationship in the first place.

You should contact them, have a conversation, then bring up "mentoring" in an indirect way...such as:

"Are there any mentoring programs at this college/university?" If the person answers in the positive, then ask if he/she is a mentor. If the person says "yes," then speak about your need for a mentor.

Hey downbutnotout.

Personally, I would email and ask directly. Something like this: "Good morning Professor/Dr. (whatever their title is) followed by last name. My name is X and I'm currently a 1st year student studying Y. I met with Mr/Ms Z, the campus counselor a few days ago and he/she referred me to you regarding a possible mentorship. I understand that you're busy, but if you have the time, then I would appreciate this opportunity very much. Thank you in advance for considering my request."

Usually, professors are more than willing to be mentors because they love passing their knowledge and experiences onto students. Good luck!

I needed help from an NT to script an email to the professor. When I tried to speak to him directly, I went in circles.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I think it's a good idea to discuss the field we're meeting over or study-related matters for awhile, and bring up the idea of a formal mentorship later depending on how things are going. They're much older and more experienced than I am, so they definitely have a lot of knowledge to pass on.

Yeah, your approach seems more appropriate than what I had suggested since you haven't taken one of their classes/gotten a feel for what their personality is like.

It worked! My professor agreed to an independent study for research mentorship! I am over the moon.

Congrats, my Sweets!

I'm so glad you were successful!

Waiting on responses over here. Sent out two e-mails Tuesday.