Jason Matthews

Be Encouraged
A new young man comes in with a friend to request a mentor: He seems confident, articulate, a good looking kid who is involved in sports, seems to have friends, and is never in trouble at school. “What are you hoping for in a mentor?” He wants someone to talk to about all the stress he feels in his life, his passions, and stuff going on at home.

Students crave meaningful connection with adults.

Be Challenged
[ Building Hope ]

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” -Helen Keller

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Be Encouraged
Student barges into my office: “ I have a question. When is my mentor coming? I really miss her! I have some feelings I need to get out! ” Later that afternoon while meeting with her mentor, the hurt, anger, and confusion over parents who had recently separated poured out. Her mentor of two years was the safest person to trust with her deep feelings.
Doesn’t everybody need someone to talk to?

Be Challenged
[ Building Resiliency ]

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Be Encouraged
Recently a mentor was instrumental in noticing that the student was not herself and voiced her concerns to BTO. School staff were able to take quick action to intervene. The mentor played a huge role in making sure this student did not slip through the cracks. While the student was in the hospital, the mentor was able to drop off something for the family to show her care, concern, and support.

Mentors take time to notice and see needs teachers and staff may miss.

Be Challenged
One of the primary goals of mentoring students is building trust with them. Without their trust, your impact in their lives will never reach it’s full potential. Building trust takes time. So, don’t be discouraged when you don’t see “results” right away. It’s important to go into a mentoring relationship with a long-term perspective. Here are three ways you can build trust with your student:

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Be Encouraged
A mentor came into my office with a question that many mentors have: ” AM I REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE? ” When this question is asked I often have the same answer,

” YES, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF THIS STUDENT! ”

Listening, providing undivided attention, encouragement, being an advocate, and a friend are all keys to a good foundation in the student/mentor relationship.

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Be Encouraged
Earlier this week, I had the new Ferndale coordinator shadowing me when a student came in to meet his mentor. While waiting for his mentor to arrive, I asked if he would like to tell her anything about Be the One. He said:

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