A conversation with Jessica about her Big Sister Nancy

“Since the day I met Nancy my grades have improved from low C’s to A’s and B’s.  I am also able to talk to people without yelling at them all the time.  Nancy has changed my life.  She is always there for me when I need her. I know I will never be alone because Nancy is just a phone call away. I feel like I can tell her anything. She is not just my mentor she is my best friend. 

Nancy is my best friend and words can not describe the way she has changed my life.  Seeing her makes everything okay.  I want to thank her for everything she has done for me…I could not have asked for a better friend!”

A conversation with Nancy about her Little Sister Jessica

Jessica and I were matched about 3 years ago.  After meeting Jessica I knew we would be a great match for each other.  We immediately decided on two goals for the school year—first and foremost a goal to work toward improved reading skills for Jessica.  Jessica decided for the second goal to improve her writing/penmanship, especially in cursive writing. The goal of improving her reading skills has been a continuous goal.  Jessica is a great student to mentor; she is rarely absent, she enjoys many different activities, and is able to face many difficult issues and cooperates with problem solving.  She is grateful for the help and attention and demonstrates that appreciation freely.

Why do I mentor? I enjoy working with kids.  I know first hand how it feels to not have a good self concept and to feel different from other kids. I had the benefit of a caring principal in high school.  That relationship and the encouragement and mentoring I received mad a significant difference for me.  I often am reminded of that help and feel very blessed that it was there for me. I attribute a great deal of my success to Mr. Embertson.  I also believe strongly that one should “pass on the favor” and contribute to the good of the community whenever possible.  Every child given help to achieve, to feel appreciated; will make for a better community.

How do I benefit from mentoring?  I feel appreciated in this relationship.  It is especially nice to have a young friend who keeps me in touch with what is going on in school and the problems and activities of young people today.  Appreciation is shown in so many ways - lovely heart felt notes from Jessica, and a hug every time we meet. The adults in this environment also show a great deal of appreciation for those of us who mentor.  I like having an opportunity to use and improve skills I have tried to improve through my life, education and work. BBBSSC is a great organization to work with and for.  Kathleen Glenney has been our mentor manager; she has been very helpful and pleasant to work with.  We wish her well and continued success in her new life…retirement!