When people ask how to become Youth Success Mentors with Empower Youth Network (EYN), there are some commonly asked questions that we encounter. With our Back-to-School Challenge coming up, we will be sharing Mentor Myth Busters with you!
Wondering about the time commitment, effort, or energy it takes to be a mentor? Read testimonials below that share why mentoring is worth it, and why mentoring is probably even more feasible than you might think.
Rob:
“There was no hesitation to me signing up.” Rob is retired and wanted to fill his time. Meeting, talking, and listening to a young person who is asking for a mentor was a “no brainer” to him. His mentoring sessions are about an hour a week including travel time to the school. As for taking vacations or needing to skip a session every now and then, Rob says that is an easy process. “Clear, timely and respectful communication between all the parties (mentee, teacher, school counselor, and Heather) is all that is required.” Rob tries to give at least two weeks’ notice as a minimum, which we appreciate!
Mary:
Mary had just moved to the valley and did not know many people. She was not sure how to get involved to meet people and help in her newfound community. So, Mary started mentoring. “It has been amazing, I have met fabulous people, the program and school has been so helpful and supportive plus the connection I have made with my mentee is the best. I can’t wait for next year to meet with my mentee and meet more people.”
Star:
As far as initial barriers to pursuing mentoring, Star initially did not know what to expect, whether she would be accepted, or how mentoring would work. But it would not leave her mind until she finally took the first step, and when she did, she says there was good support along the way. “It is a commitment, and the consistency is very important to these kids, however, as long as there is good communication, if you have to miss it can be worked out.” Life happens, and EYN understand that. This past year Star had a trip planned during school, she needed to schedule an oral surgery, and one week she was sick. EYN figured out how to cover for Star so her mentee was set up for success while she was away. Star said that going away can even be helpful because it gave her stories to share with her mentee!
Barb:
“The only barrier I could see to signing up to be a mentor was the one in my mind. I kept intending to do it and then put it off many times until I finally just did it. For me it has been a great experience.” Barb said that EYN has made mentoring very easy to fit into her schedule, and that the staff at the school are super friendly and helpful. “I love feeling a part of something good. I love that I get to see my mentee growing up and gaining confidence in himself. He is so smart and funny. Just a nice, cool kid.”
Help us get a head start on our Back-to-School Challenge, and apply to become a mentor today!
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