Giving Compass' Take:

• This former mentee explains the significance of becoming a teacher mentor after participating in a mentorship program that inspired her education and career choices. 

• What mentorship opportunities are available in your community? How are mentor organizations caling impact?

• Read about the power of mentoring relationships. 

Along with my eight brothers and sisters, I grew up in a family where both parents worked and there was no time for them to read to us. We were poor, but didn’t really know it. It wasn’t until we saw what other students had that we realized what we did not have.

Now, serving as a leader in a Title I school, I have sat in the very seats where my students now sit. More often than not, my students’ parents have to work, so there is little to no time to sit and read with their children.

At first, students didn’t know what to expect, but once they started interacting with their mentor, they were sold — hook, line, and sinker!

And as it is for them now, it was for me: teachers made a difference in my life. They were the difference between just going to school and being successful in school. Because of my teacher mentors, I not only went to college, but I graduated with four degrees, my most current being a doctorate in education.

For people considering volunteering as a mentor, I say, “Jump in with both feet!” There are children awaiting your knowledge, wisdom, and connection to the real world. It will be the best investment of your lives, that will yield the highest return!  It will provide you an opportunity to not just touch their lives, but their souls. As Nike’s slogan says, “Just do it!” You have nothing to lose, and all to gain!

Read the full article on mentoring by Dr. Gail D. Brady at VolunteerMatch.