Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
“Thank you My Friend” I was touched by a recent message from a former mentor, Doug, whose student graduated back in 2019. I had matched Doug with Jose when he was a junior who was still mastering English and worked hard to graduate. Doug wrote: “Jose and I have texted occasionally over the past years and had time to connect the other day. He is doing really well—seems to have a solid job and has learned way more English. Jose texted me the other day and said: ‘Hello my friend. I just wanted to say thank you for always listening to me. You are a big part of my life. Thank you, my friend.’ ” Doug continued by thanking me for making this relationship happen. To that, I say, “Thank you Doug” and every other mentor who spends the time to develop relationships. Isn’t that what life is all about?
“Vision for the Future” A recent trip to BTC for a tour allowed a student and mentor to really dive deep into conversations about his future goals and pathways. When matched in 9th grade, this young man had little interest in academics and no concept of careers and post-secondary options. Over the years his mentor has been instrumental in helping him succeed in school and set goals. Being on a college campus allowed him to imagine himself there for the first time and get excited about his future. The conversation will continue, along with plans for other college visits.
“Calabaza en Tacha?” This week a mentor brought in some homemade treats that he and his student could share together. Calabaza en Tacha is a candied pumpkin treat commonly made in Mexico for holidays. I had never heard of this before, but they certainly enjoyed eating it together. As we move into the holidays season, it’s a fun time for mentors and students to share favorite traditions and compare cultural similarities and differences around holiday celebrations.
Highlights:
Highlights from this month:
• Gratitude Prompts and Thankful Leaves: mentors and students could cut out a leaf and write things they were thankful for and add it to our BTO bulletin board
• Nov 17/18 Mentor Equipping “Beyond the Classroom: What schools can do for Students” by Gabby Roberts, School Psychologist. Mentors learned a lot.
• Matched a student who had been waiting since last spring
• BTO Coordinator Meeting on Nov. 17th. Connecting and sharing ideas
Upcoming:
Upcoming next month:
• New Merch orders will arrive
• Saturday Academic Support: Dec. 6th; tutoring and hot breakfast
• Hall Decorating competition
• Ornament making and hot cocoa bar for mentors and students
• Christmas Break: December 20th-Jan. 4th
Number of Current Matches: 67
Submitted by Lisa Reynolds – reynoldsl@lynden.wednet.edu