This week I sent individual personal emails to all my mentees to check on them as well as to let them know they could email their mentors through me and I could share their mailing address with their mentors. One boy emailed me back almost right away: “Thank you for checking on me. I am doing ok. We are worried about my aunt who is sick in hospital. My mom is a nursing assistant, so she has to work and we worry about her. My dad can’t work so he is home. I hope you are safe.”
I forwarded this to his mentor so he would know how his mentee is doing. Mentor emails me back right away: “What is his address?” I assume that he wants to mail a card or something, and send him the address. Another email from the mentor: ‘I want to send him a pizza–can you find out what kind he likes?” I email the student: “Your mentor wants to send you a pizza. What’s your favorite kind?” A minute goes by and the student responds: “Pepperoni” I forwarded the response. I believe a pepperoni pizza will soon by showing up on his doorstep. When all else fails, send pizza. Nothing says “I love you” like pepperoni.
At Be The One, we understand the many unique challenges our youth face today. Through mentorship, students are connected with an adult that matches their interests and personality. For one hour a week students meet with their mentor at school in a safe and positive environment. Be The One removes the financial burden of the program from the school by raising community support to fund a full time Mentor Coordinator position who is an employee of the school. Be The One also helps by attracting mentors and training them to effectively connect with students.