Charlotte Locke recently shared with EYN why mentoring matters from her perspective. She has worked with her student since October 2023 and she loves how artistic and creative her student is.
Having seen many people experience adversities, including herself, when she learned about Empower Youth Network’s mentorship program, Locke was immediately inspired to become a mentor knowing from personal experience how beneficial this program is. She believes that her mentee has benefited from her support by having an established connection. They share a devoted period of time together each week to build that connection, filled with all sorts of activities of her student’s choosing.
Locke enjoys mentoring because she has gotten to know a student with similar interests, and she is making a direct difference in her community. They both enjoy drawing and coloring, and mentoring has become one of Locke’s favorite parts of life. She has something she looks forward to each week.
She has helped her mentee navigate challenges by always being an open source to go to for advice. “As a young person, having a person who you feel comfortable talking to is extremely important and can help youth navigate challenges in their life,” Locke said.
As a mentor who is still in high school, Locke thinks there are many benefits to other teens becoming mentors. “I can accredit the quick connection I was able to make with my mentee largely to being close in age and being able to relate on that level,” she said. Locke believes more high school students should really consider becoming mentors as it makes a very effective connection to younger students.
Each January, we come together as a community to support youth with National Mentoring Month. By harnessing our collective voice, we can raise awareness for how one conversation, one experience, and one mentor can change a young person’s life. Thanks to Charlotte Locke and to all of the mentors making positive differences in their mentee’s lives.
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