It's a heartbreaking reality that many children grow up without someone to look up to and admire. Our childhood and teenage years are full of frustrations, confusion and constant changes and pressures. It can be hard to endure these years alone; some would even say it's impossible. Mentoring programs provide students with hope, encouragement, and friendship.
Strong Women, Strong Girls is an organization located in Pittsburgh and Boston that works to encourage young girls in under-resourced communities through mentorship. The curriculum-based lessons are taught by college age women who are thoroughly interviewed and trained. Such lessons range from the importance of self-confidence, leadership skills, and introductions to various colleges and careers. Many students, especially in urban elementary schools, can benefit from being taught such essential life lessons both inside and outside of the home. Some of the best lessons a young girl can learn can come from trained, college-aged mentors who are willing to share their life experiences. Strong Women, Strong Girls provides elementary-aged girls with these mentors.
Mentoring is not only extremely beneficial for the mentor-ee, but also the mentor. As a mentor myself, I have found that nothing compares to the joy on children's faces when you walk in the room. You may be the only brightness in their otherwise dark day. It's amazing that simply being there, just your presence, can create so much happiness. Seeing students finally understand something, group conversations encouraging one another and teaching ways to improve as students and human beings is indescribable. Elementary school is the very beginning of shaping who we are. Study habits, work ethic, and social skills are all developed during these critical years. To have such a strong impact on young minds is amazing. As mentors, we are doing big things!
If your school or community has opportunities to be a mentor, I strongly encourage you to be part of something so impactful. The lessons exceed far past anything that is taught in a classroom, lessons to inspire hope within us all. It's encouragement to last a lifetime.
