Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
How can I let my mentor go?
When I met with students in the first few weeks of school one student was having a particularly difficult time deciding how to move forward with her mentor. She has a very full class load and her array of extra curriculars keep her busy outside of school hours. It can be really difficult for students to balance it all, but she wasn’t ready to let her mentor go. She appreciates her encouragement, and prayers throughout the week. The mentor, mentee, and I all met together and had a really honest conversation. The mentee acknowledged she really needs to focus on school, but still wants her mentor to be a part of her story. We decided that we would schedule a time to meet every couple weeks (even once a month) until November and then reevaluate. They also will be utilizing the text bridge when they can’t meet. Right now, it is about finding that balance that helps the student feel supported, but also creating the space for her to be successful and feel confident.
Can I meet today?
LC started school on a Thursday this year and that is typically the day that pairs meet at LC. One mentee was eager to see their mentor after the summer apart. The first question was: when can I see my mentor? and quickly followed by: can I see them today? First day of school matches aren’t the norm, but they were able to reunite the next week and it was a joyous reunion. Old friends picking up right where they left off.
Highlights:
In addition to all matches from last year returning LC also decided to pilot something new. Discipleship groups! Discipleship groups have a long-standing history at Lynden Christian, but they had taken a few years hiatus. This year, a former student who is now a seasoned teacher at LCHS and the chaplain decided it was time to bring back discipleship groups. This group time is a space where students can sign up to be in a group with a leader and they can work on growing their faith while establishing a relationship with peers and a mentor. We had seven mentors willing to fill this role and about 10 students per group. So, this year in addition to our returning matches we also have seven groups (two male and five female) meeting during plus time.
Upcoming:
• October Mentor Equipping (10/7-8): Topic “Bullying” by Tausha Calderella
• High School Fall Drama: October 11, 12, 17, & 19
• Homecoming week: October 14-18
• Fall High School Orchestra and Choir: October 28
• Mini-pumpkin decorating
• November Mentor Equipping (11/4-5): Jordan Feigel will present
Number of Current Matches: Five individual matches + Seven discipleship groups (70+ students)
Submitted by Stacey Martin – smartin@lyncs.org