Pass It Forward

[#1]

During my childhood, my parents really didn't talk about college. Neither of my parents went to college, although they both became successful professionals. During my pre-teen and teenage years, I heard my dad talk a lot about college football, and Michigan State vs. University of Michigan, but besides that I didn't hear anything else about college. I'm not joking when I tell you that I thought going to college meant you went somewhere to play football! And you either went to Michigan State or U of M. So, when my mentor started talking to me about which college I'd like to attend, I told her I wasn't planning on going to college because I didn't play football. She told me what college was about and that anyone, including me, could attend any college in the country or the world.

I want to take this opportunity to discuss some of the events/activities we plan with our mentees. I think mentors (and I'm guilty) sometimes get stuck in a rut of doing the same things like going out to eat, going to the movies or going to the mall. As mentors, we have a unique opportunity to get involved in activities that the youth may not otherwise experience. And it's a chance for mentors to try something new. If we set an example to our mentees to try new things, go new places and meet new people we are showing them the possibilities of our community. I think exposing children to different things makes them well-adjusted and better-rounded individuals.

This list of events/activities to do with your mentee is one I have collected from various resources and my own experiences: volunteer together; during the holidays make cookies for the local police station and ask for a tour when you drop them off; learn how to fly a kite; visit your local colleges and universities; visit the library, get a library card and check out books; go ice-skating or roller-skating; go to an animal shelter to visit with the dogs and cats; write thank you cards to people; clean up a local park for Earth Day; offer to rake leaves for an elderly neighbor; plan and research a pretend vacation; journal together; make a scrap book; play pool or go swimming.

The point is that mentoring is about building a relationship and friendship with your mentee, not how much money you spend or where you eat out or what you buy them. Providing a listening ear and a safe environment will help that child develop boundaries, trust and friendships. As a mentor, we are given the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life, so let's not waste that chance.

I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I received my Bachelors of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 2003. I continued my education at Wayne State University where I received my Masters of Social Work degree in May of 2008. If it weren't for my mentor telling me you didn't have to play football in order to go to college, who knows where I'd be today!

Message Edited by Allison on 09-22-2008 11:34 AM