As life moves forward, challenges arise, and some people find it difficult to manage them. Having someone to talk to and get real advice from is very important, especially if you are struggling as a young adult. A mentor, someone who gives you support, advice, and guidance over time, can help you get through difficult situations.
Brewer has encouraged students to join a mentoring program this year, and it is already thriving.
More than 20 students make visits to be with their mentors, where they can talk, play games or just bond together; and the program is only growing from there. The mentors are volunteers who come to campus whenever they have the time, and they are assigned a mentee.
Sabrina Franklin, the leader of the program, is also a mentor on campus and allows students to come in at any time and talk about what they feel they need to talk about. Franklin and the others are there to listen and provide guidance and knowledge.
“My whole life I've always had a heart for children, I'm a mom of six adopted children myself, and so growing up we always had other kids in our home, my parents not only raised us but they raised our community as well; that was something I grew up around,” Franklin said.
This isn't a program that just happened out of nowhere. Dena Petty founded this program to help young people get the help she wished she had when she was young. This is a non-profit organization and is built on the sheer commitment and dedication these mentors have for their mentees.
“I tutor elementary school kids in reading and really like it, and I thought this would be a really good program to be a part of,” mentor Diane Westover said.
It takes just one person to donate some time out of their life to come and even do some much as talk to the student, making an impact on their life.
The visits are confidential and do not exceed the line of the mentor and mentee unless it is necessary. These simple acts can truly change someone's life for the better.
“It's really helpful whenever I'm really stressed out. I can go and talk to [Westover], and it's also helpful because she helps me keep up with my grades,” mentee Cynthia Cathey said.
It’s not rare to see your peers struggling, or you yourself wanting to talk to someone about I something that has been bothering you. It shouldn't be a difficult thing to do.
Mentors Care has ensured that all students have the opportunity to seek help and advice for any problem life throws at them. Franklin has created a safe environment for the students to be able to speak freely, while Westover and many other mentors have made the time to listen.
Mentor and mentee working hard to finish school work. Photo courtesy of Alexis White.