The Los Angeles County runs a program called the Youth Career Development Program (YCDP) in which emancipated foster youth participate by working for a year in a selected Department under the guidance of a Mentor. Here is where I come in. I work for one of the departments and was initially recruited to participated as a Mentor. At first, I felt compelled to accept, but not for the right reasons. Now that I've had time to fully digest the idea, I'm actually excited and intend to invest good effort in making this a success for all involved. The term of the program is a full year, which seems long, but I'm trying not to focus on the length of the commitment.
Tomorrow the first introduction will take place at a luncheon where approximately six other Mentor/Mentee participants will attend. I have to say, I'm nervous! Nervous enough to read a bunch of material and seek resources (mentor.com) so that I may feel better prepared. I appreciate this website where I know I will find insightful information that will help me better access my approach, should things become challenging. 
-ISD
