Be A Mentor

My mom, Doris Jean was a mentor to so many.  She didn't usually go to them, they would come to her.  She always made people feel better than when they arrived at her door.  I have worked with kids directly and indirectly through the years and I have to tell you, I miss the daily interaction.  When I was presented with the opportunity to mentor through my job, I jumped on it!  One because I knew the list of students that needed mentoring, really needed mentoring, and two, it would give me the interaction with a student that I missed working in an office setting. 

I was paired with a first-grade female student.  She is as sharp as a tack but she definitely needs the one-on-one attention.  She is being raised by her grandparents and I believe they are doing the best that they know how.  Like so many of our kids these days, she is left on her phone, yes, she has a phone and video games as often as she chooses. She can play games in the evening and all weekend long.  I truly believe our society has become so dependent on these digital devices that they are taking the place of human interaction. Instant babysitter! A lot of our youth are not running around outside, riding a bike, or doing all of the fun things I used to do as a kid.  They struggle to communicate properly with one another because they are constantly in the game world.  It makes me sad. It is almost like a drug, they can't wait to play and they need their next fix. A lot of our conversations are about games or Netflix.  I visit her every Thursday afternoon and it brings me so much joy.  Today we drew and played a match game.  She told me that her grandmother enrolled her in gymnastics and her first class was today after school. I was so excited for her!  She has so much energy and needs that outlet.  I look forward to my weekly visits with her and she openly says she loves me when she sees me. She completely melts my heart. I really hope I can follow her throughout her time in my district.

Have you thought about becoming a mentor?  There are so many kids out there that need just a little extra. Someone to say, I am here for you.  You are not alone. YOU CAN DO IT!  If you're interested, contact your local school district to inquire about how you can become a mentor.  Be BOLD!