Mentor Stories
« Previous EntriesIs it too late?!!?
By katelmoore | Friday, April 17th, 2009
Right now I’m at the National High School Journalism conference and the issue of hope is very real for me. Last week I had an awful teaching experience that really made me question if I’m cut out for this. It was certainly not my worst teaching moment ever, but it was a doozy. Today I am surrounded by awesome amazing teachers who have done this hard, hard job for 30+ years, “flunked retirement,” and come back to mentor new teachers and encourage them. Without my journalism mentor teacher I know I would have quit a dozen times this year. Which really speaks to me about the need for hope and encouragement in our students lives. If I didn’t believe, every moment of every day, that every kid can learn, succeed, and live a successful life, I would think that I had perversely chosen my calling. A long time ago I went to hear Howard Zinn speak. If you’ve never read his book, “A People’s History of the United States” you may not know that it is a recitation of the historical horrors of our country that are not generally included in your average text book. After the lecture, an audience member asked Dr. Zinn how he remained so positive and hopeful in the face of reporting such horrors.
Dr. Zinn answered, “There is always hope. Each one of us is like a man throwing pebbles into the river to try to change its course. We never know which pebble will do the job, we just have to keep throwing them.”
We never know which pebble will turn the course of a student’s life. I, for one, never want to stop just one pebble short, even though sometimes my throwing arm, and my soul, become weary.
Topics: Inspiration, Mentor Stories, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Mentoring Programs Change Lives
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, March 16th, 2009
Mentoring was in the news this weekend, or at least, in the Parade magazine tucked into my Sunday Oregonian. With so many people losing jobs (and gaining extra time) I thought this article was a timely and upbeat reminder of how making a difference in one life, can create positive outcomes in unexpected ways.
A two-page spread, Mentoring Programs Change Lives, by Kevin Sessums , illustrates perfectly one of the key reasons for offering this course and resources to support mentors and potential mentors. As the article subtitle states, when one person mentors, two lives are changed. But it is not always easy.
Sessums’ article is his story, about his relationship with one (lucky) boy, but it is also the story of how his time with his mentor has enriched his life. And, it is an open invitation for YOU to get involved in a relationship which has so much potential for so much benefit.
You Can Mentor A Child
Millions of young people want or need mentors, and mentoring groups encourage people to donate time according to their own comfort level. Many programs are flexible about scheduling and offer support to mentors in the early stages.
“I think for a lot of people there is a bit of trepidation—even fear—in establishing a mentor relationship,” says Judith N. Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest mentoring organization. “It’s not a natural one at first. It usually takes three to six months for trust to develop. That’s what we are here for—to offer structured support for these relationships in the early days—with the safety of the child our most important concern.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 255,000 children through its 394 affiliates across America. Its successful Mentoring Brothers campaign enlists African-American men in its programs. Though 35% of the boys who are mentored are African-Americans, only 15% of mentors are.
In this and many other mentoring programs, children are matched with adult volunteers—after background checks and a careful interview process—based on location and common interests. Many matches develop into lasting friendships.
How to Give of Yourself
Mentoring a child can have a powerful impact. It doesn’t require a financial commitment but rather a willingness to give your time and share your experiences. Here are some organizations to consider.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America bbbs.org
The oldest mentoring organization, with more than a century of service, it serves children 6 to 18.
Foster Grandparent Program seniorcorps.gov
Works with Americans ages 60 and older who are able to mentor a child for up to 40 hours a week.
Mentoring Children of Prisoners: Caregiver’s Choice (mentoring.org/caregiverschoice
Brings together mentors and children whose parents are incarcerated.
For other mentoring opportunities in your area, go to mentoring.org
Topics: How to Help, Mentor Stories, Resources for Mentor | 1 Comment »
Let’s Extend National Mentoring Month This Year
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, February 2nd, 2009
I don’t know how I missed it, but National Mentoring Month (January) has come and gone. For those like me, who may have been so distracted by other events, (small, unimportant things, such as, the INAUGURATION, the beginning of a new semester of Making Connections, community service projects for Martin Luther King Day) I propose that for this year, we expand National Mentoring Month, and the positive impact it can have on one child or an entire community, into February.
Expand Your Universe - Mentor a Child
The website Mentor.org http://www.mentoring.org/ describes National Mentoring Month as “a month-long outreach campaign (that) focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.”
It reminds us that all it takes to do something that can change your life as much as the life of a child is the “sincere desire to be involved with a young person,” respect for young people, a willingness to listen and empathize, the creativity to open doors to solutions and opportunities, and the flexibility to be open to change, challenge and possibilities. And everybody benefits.
The website lists the following ways that mentoring can help:
- Improving young people’s attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers;
- Encouraging students to stay motivated and focused on their education;
- Providing a positive way for young people to spend free time;
- Helping young people face daily challenges; and
- Offering young people opportunities to consider new career paths and get much-needed economic skills and knowledge.
Can you add to this list? Please comment below to share your stories about the kids you mentor, and the people who mentored you.
Topics: Mentor Stories | No Comments »
Where are the Role Models?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, September 19th, 2008
Sometimes questions seem to pop up in several places at the same time. I had a great conversation at Portland State
University about the problems that kids have after they graduate (after all the effort to NOT DROP OUT). My companion pointed out that (based on her personal experience as well as research) even when they make it through school, some kids find themselves unable to continue to college.
There are many reasons that kids don’t go on to college; financial reasons, or family responsibilities for example. But for some, even if they are able to attend, they don’t because they simply have no idea what they might be or do if they get there.This subject has also been mentioned frequently in the Making Connections course. There has been discussion about how to keep the students who make it through school connected – with learning, with work, and with the desire and inspiration to continue to move forward in their lives. Students state that they are looking for ways to inspire the kids who are currently in school (at every grade) with the idea that if they STAY in school – they can go on after school to do something they love, or at least, are interested in.No matter the discussion, the same question keeps coming up - where are the role models? How can teachers and mentors connect their kids with people of every color and kind - who can demonstrate by their simple presence, that there is a place in the world of work for people of every description?
One student expressed this question perfectly. “What I want to work on this year is introducing the kids to some successful minority community members. I am thinking about how I can do this in the most effective way, because I want my kids to get to know (and see) business people, doctors, scientists, lawyers, dentists, college professors, business owners, financial planners, engineers, and the like. I want my kids to know that there are more possibilities for them besides being a teacher, working in a factory, in construction, or selling drugs. I really believe that the students need to see successful people who look like them.”
I agree that this is an important issue, so I am including some ideas that teachers and mentors can use to think creatively about find interesting people who do interesting things. I hope that readers will add to my list, even add specifics. If you would like to volunteer to share your experiences with work and school, please post your information and ideas to this blog.
• Talk to your friends and colleagues who do interesting work, and have interesting hobbies and sidelines. Ask them to talk to your kids about the things they needed to learn in school to be able to do what they do now.
• Ask these same people about the people they know. Build a list - think of this as your personal backpack of connections.
• Seek out people who do interesting or valuable things - who have NOT gone through the traditional college path - but needed to learn skills to do their work.
• Read the newspaper – this can be a great activity for students. Ask each student to find a story about someone who does something that is interesting to them (mountain rescuers, firefighters, soldiers, artists having an opening show, dancers, photographers, lawyers who win a case, doctors, veterinarians at the zoo …. the possibilities are endless. These articles are useful in several ways – it allows you to build a list of jobs that people do, it lets you get to know your kids a little better, it provides names and organizations connected with the work that people actually do, and, at times, contact information. Use this list to start thinking creatively with your students about ways to invite people to come to your classroom, program or school.
Years ago, I was a TAG teacher - working with kids of many colors. One African American girl seemed shy and was having a hard time connecting with the class. I tried all everything I knew to connect with her and draw her out - with minimal results … until …We were doing a unit on whales, and the kids had invited a speaker to come from Greenpeace to talk to them - purely randomly, a young black woman came into the classroom. My student literally snapped to attention - she was riveted by this woman. She spoke in class, asked questions and dsiplayed a great sense of humor. What a difference! Long story short the changes stayed. She was a new girl - bright, involved and far more confident. When I asked her at the end of the term what she wanted to be - she (who in the beginning wanted to ‘have no responsibilities’) wanted to be a Marine biologist. So the key to finding role models may not be to look for people who fit a description, but to keep your classroom and program open to the many people who may be part of your community. Trust that color is not the only diversity your kids need to see, and that the perfect role model may look different, but still bring that perfect something into the life of a kid, without YOU needing so hard to make things happen. Present as many possibilities as you can, as you go through your classwork and activities, and trust that the details will take care of themselves.
Topics: Creating a Positive, Inspiration, Mentor Stories | 2 Comments »
Oregonian Story: Xploregon helps youths discover another side of Oregon — and themselves
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, July 21st, 2008
Research shows that summer is a time when kids can really benefit from programs and activities that keep them engaged in learning and out of trouble. Last week we described some of the fun things available to kids in the David Douglas/IRCO Mentoring summer program.
For a look at another kind of mentoring program, this one for teens, check out this story in today’s Oregonian about the summer outings sponsored by Campfire USA’s Xploregon. The adventures “are a series of summer service-learning road trips for high school youth that combines the best aspects of a road-trip adventure, provides teens with volunteer experience, leadership development and opportunities to connect with peers in communities across Oregon.”
Whether kids are getting to know their city or their state, programs like these are helping kids see the world beyond their usual perspective, and, research shows, helping them stay in school when the summer is over.
For more information about the value of establishing and maintaining mentoring relationships during the summer, check out the Mentoring Fact Sheet from the U.S. Department of Education.
Are you participating in a summer mentoring program or experience? Share what you are doing - share your stories.
Topics: Mentor Stories, Resources for Mentor | No Comments »
Summer Fun for Mentoring Pairs
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, July 18th, 2008
What’s the perfect way to spend a sunny summer day? A trip to OMSI might be nice; or a day at the pool. How about a day at the rock gym, the zoo, or maybe fishing at Blue
How can you choose when there are so many wonderful opportunities? The kids in the David Douglas Mentoring Project with IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization) don’t have to.
Every week throughout the summer, kids who are part of this one-on-one after-school mentoring program (and many of their mentors as well) get the chance to leave their familiar school and neighborhood and take a field trip.
For many of these kids, some new to Portland, some new to United States, many with limited opportunities to experience all that our city has to offer, these trips open a door to a wider world. And, they are just plain fun – for everyone.
Giving kids a chance to see the world beyond the familiar and known is a primary goal for the mentors who work with these kids. As I talked with pairs of mentors and mentees - over a wonderful lunch (provided for everyone) on a patio, overlooking the Willamette, at OMSI, this theme was repeated again and again. Mentors work with kids to introduce new ideas, new possibilities, and new visions for what their mentees can become. And to experience the opportunity to make a difference – in their own lives as well as the lives of the kids they work with.
Seng and Salim talk about so many things, including college and how Salim, who is “very smart” and speaks five languages, can get there. This pair shares many interests and characteristics, as well as the natural understanding that comes with their shared immigrant experience.
Seng, who was born in
Julie and William are another wonderful pair. William was especially happy on this day because he loves science, and especially OMSI. Julie is an educational assistant at the school where William will go next year. This is an added benefit – having a built-in friend at this new school will ease the transition and help him feel welcome.
Julie, whose own kids are growing up, is as enthusiastic as William when they describe the interesting science experiments Julie comes up with for their after school time.
There were many more pairs on this lovely day – sharing time, sharing fun, and sharing birthday cupcakes in celebration of Jaime’s big day. I want to thank you all of you for sharing your stories with me, so that I can share them on this blog.
DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR STORY? Share yours.
Topics: Mentor Stories | 2 Comments »
One Mentor’s Tale
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
Why I am a Mentor
I met Efrain Vargas yesterday. Efrain is a mentor to a young teen boy. He is 20 years old, engaging and articulate. A soccer scholarship got him to college, where he is now majoring in Psychology. He hopes to become counselor and focus on gangs. Going to college changed Efrain’s life in many ways, but most important he says, it showed him a world beyond his neighborhood in California … and got him away from the gang that was too much a part of his life. When I asked Efraim why he is a mentor, he gave me this essay he has written and told me I could share it here on the blog.
“What is the reason for being a gangster? So we can defend our city, the street where we live, but the city isn’t ours, the street doesn’t belong to us either. Why am I a gang member? Because my parents didn’t have time for me. No, those are just excuses of somebody that is weak and doesn’t know what they want, so they take the easy way out. Eternal days of suffering and having to worry about making it alive by the end of the day. No, I didn’t want that for me. I was one of those lucky young puppets who made it out and was given a second chance to change the world with all those horrible things I saw and did. I am here to make a difference in the lives of all these teen chicanos who did my mistake. It’s my obligation to try and lead them to the right path.” Efraim Vargas
Topics: Mentor Stories | 1 Comment »
Share your success stories: We Need Inspriring Stories to Start the Year Off Right
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Monday, July 7th, 2008
Mentors, volunteers and teachers, we want to hear your stories. Take a moment to tell us a story about how you were able to successfully build a strong relationship with a kid. What was the kid like when you met? What did you do to build a relationship? How did you see the kid change?
Also, tell us stories of how a connection with a teacher, friend or community member made a positive difference in your life, or in the life of someone you know. We hope to collect these stories and add them to the course on this site.
Thanks in advance for sharing these with us.
Topics: BACK TO SCHOOL, Mentor Stories, Questions | No Comments »
Smart Money: A Mentor Story about How a Smart Volunteer Invests In Kids
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
Deborah Romerein is a volunteer who teaches what she knows. And she is making a difference. For more than five years, Deborah, a former stockbroker and financial consultant has had a goal – to share her knowledge about how to survive and even flourish financially in today’s confusing culture where “debt is the most aggressively marketed product.”
Deborah designed a course, SMART MONEY, to teach the kids she works with (incarcerated youth) how to avoid the traps of debt, predatory “deals,” and how to develop and cultivate the habits needed to achieve true wealth and financial peace of mind. She also offers participants a road map of how to get started handling money, and teaches them strategies they can use to set and reach personal goals.
Deborah does this because she has “every hope and expectation that the process of learning personal money management skills” will help the young men she works with to discover personal strengths and an “expanded view of how they see themselves and what they can accomplish.”
Deborah is just one example of ‘regular’ people who are doing extraordinary things for kids at risk. She not only volunteers her time and knowledge, but she connects with every kid – encourages them to believe in themselves, and most of all – she encourages them to LEARN – not only about money and finances – but about the world around them, and all that it holds for them. When Deborah comes to volunteer, she brings books, films, ideas, information, and connections to other subjects, and other people. Most of all, she brings herself. Her warmth, her caring and her hope for a better future.
I just thought you’d like to know.
If you’d like to know more, or receive the details of her Smart Money classes contact Deborah at romerein@spiritone.com
Topics: Mentor Stories | No Comments »
Who Mentored YOU?
By Tobi Kibel Piatek | Friday, June 27th, 2008
So many of the people I meet, teachers, counselors, mentors, volunteers, scout leaders, great kids with great projects, all are doing wonderful things - not only for the kids in classrooms and programs, but for others as well.
I believe that the ways each of us find to reach out can be as unique as our own skills and interests, and that the acts of reaching out can offer myriad opportunities to enrich our lives as much as they enrich the lives of those we seek to help.
I also believe that the term MENTOR is confusing - but can be made clearer if we define it as helping someone in a meaningful way. Once we understand the definition, it becomes clear that each of us has had a mentor. So this is my question:
WHO MENTORED YOU? Was there someone in your life who did or said something that made a difference in the path you took, in the way you felt about yourself, and in the things you do for others?
I believe each of us has at least one story to tell. I believe that by understanding the many faces that mentoring can take, it will be easier to understand how each of us can make meaningful connections with others - especially kids at risk.
Please share your experiences on this blog. Pass this question along to others. Let’s build a collection of stories that show the many different faces that mentoring can take. Who knows. maybe someone will write about YOU.
Click the COMMENT button below to respond.
Topics: Mentor Stories | No Comments »
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