Mentoring

Sadly, too many kids lack the influence of a positive role model and consequently grow up trying to figure things out on their own. They look too the pro athlete, rock star, actor or actress as role models hoping that one day they would be like these stars.  Even with odds of becoming a star is against our children these are the individuals that our children look up too. By no means do I wish to crush anyone’s dream, but it is important that children know the importance of a backup plan, just in case that dream fall short. 

I wish that when I was growing up I had someone to take me by the hand and lead me in the right or another direction.  My parents did what they could by laying down a basic foundation. Their main concern was working on the farm and making sure I acted right when I was in public. Unfortunately, pursuing an education, being a home owner, having good credit, saving money and etc. wasn’t a priority. They taught me what they knew and I learned through them. Having an outside source like a teacher would have been great when I coming up.

Mentoring programs can assist with improving academics, reduced negative youth behavior, influence kids to stay away drugs, and helps with social skills. I get excited when I hear about different mentoring programs.  I am glad that it is National commitment and others are seeing the importance of having mentors.

Anyone can be a role model but it takes a special person to be a mentor.