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The Benefits of Mentoring - from the Mentor’s Point of View
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | May 21, 2008
I heard a woman talk about her experiences as a SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) last night. Her comments gave me a new perspective on mentoring. She is studying Spanish these days, developing her own language and literacy in a second language. To complete her course requirements she is expected to do a service project in the community.
Because she loves “reading, kids and practicing Spanish,” her choice to become a SMART volunteer at a bilingual school was a natural. The speaker “loves what she is doing” because she has a strong belief in the importance of literacy, in any language. She believes that the love of reading is a key to positive school experiences for every child.
What was fun for me was the chance to hear her talk about all the benefits that SHE is getting from her volunteer work. She is enjoying the opportunity to learn about some of the schools outside of her neighborhood, and see firsthand the work they are doing to make kids feel comfortable and able to learn. She also enjoys the chance to discover new books in Spanish, meet and spend time with kids, and most of all, practice speaking Spanish with native speakers (savvy first graders), who are helping HER build her skills too.
If you are a mentor or volunteer, please share some of the things you get from the experience.
Topics: Mentor Stories |