From the Outside In

By Willy Tully, February 2008 Guest Blogger

If it truly takes a village to raise a child, then how in the world do we expect our youth to succeed without a comprehensive approach to education?  Comprehensive…that sounds difficult. It doesn’t have to be.

I work for a large mentoring organization, but I don’t work formally on mentoring — I connect the youth in the program with postsecondary opportunities, placing an emphasis on higher education. As an organization, we strive to provide the highest quality in mentoring to both the youth and adults that come to our door. But the fact of the matter is that anyone can be, and realistically is a mentor in their everyday life. From teachers to preachers to parents, high school counselors to college admissions counselors to custodians, daily interaction with children is an opportunity — an opportunity to impart some amount of knowledge, build confidence, and fulfill the obligation that adults have to invest positively in youth. 

An Investment — Education is the Best
Perhaps we can agree that the greatest method by which an individual might enrich their circumstance is education. Beyond the simple yet hugely important informal stuff that occurs in a mentoring relationship, every mentor should be equipped with the tools to discuss higher education with a child. Collectively we know how to do this, but individually we have a need and an opportunity to learn more.

Each of us plays a role as a mentor. By sharing our experiences with one another, together we can improve our community from the ground up. We can all start by asking, “how can I change a child’s life today, and what do I have to say?”

Comments

[Sundraya Kase]

Great thoughts Willy. I agree with you - we all need to take our roles of mentors to the next level. It's not enough for me to just talk to my mentee about the importance of college. I want to provide them with the tools, training and resources to make college a reality. That means starting early - before junior high school when students begin to opt in or out of classes. It means being watchful and vigilant in guiding their academic choices. I also want to respect my mentees family situation and not overstep boundaries or create friction. My wish would be for organizations like BBBS to help us take mentoring to that next level - beyond just the feel good experience of hanging out with your mentee. Let's make this about impacting their educational future!

[Erika Huss]

I believe Willy's comments are right on the mark! As a school counselor, I see daily the impact that mentors have on a student's willingness, motivation and confidence in working towards college admission. College admission does not begin in 11th and 12th grade - it takes years of preparation and investment. Mentors have a unique opportunity (And Responsiblity!) to begin this process at an early age. I applaud BBBS for taking mentoring in this direction!