Every Monday the Key Mentoring a part of Clinton County 4-H Youth Mentoring meets at Riley Elementary for a two hour, after-school mentoring program. During this time, mentor-mentee matches come together with the mutual goal of creating and maintaining caring, trusting relationships. If one were to visit this site, they would easily be able to witness a life-changing relationship… for both a mentee and his mentor.
John and Jacobe have been matched since November 2009. Since then, both individuals have experienced tremendous growth together. Jacobe, who is now in 5th Grade at Riley, started out the program being new to the St. Johns area and wanted to make new friends. Already having to take on the difficult task of adjusting to a new school setting, he needed a little help learning how to make those friendships. By introducing a teen mentor in his life, someone he can count on to spend time and talk with each week, Jacobe was able to expand his social skills and now feels like he has more friends.
Mentor John and Jacobe having fun together during mentoring
Seeing John each week is exciting for Jacobe. He runs into the classroom saying “Yes! I’m the first one here today!” They love to play imaginary “car simulator”, a game the two have invented and play each week. They participate in service projects, team building games, craft projects, and much more! And the end of the program, Jacobe often tells John, “thank you for playing with me”. However, what many do not realize is that during the process of helping a child grow and supporting their development, the mentor also grows with them.
Having to already juggle his school schedule, being involved with 4-H groups, and all of the other demands in a high school Senior’s life, John has made the time to mentor once a week at Riley. He enjoys interacting with all of the mentees and, in particular, helping Jacobe grow as an individual. During the two hour program, the two partake in “guy” things. John has been another male role model for Jacobe…a position that is essential to be filled in a young male’s life.
By learning what it takes of someone of that caliber, John has learned a lot about himself. John was forced to reflect on himself in going through the process of sharing knowledge with a child. He has developed interpersonal skills that will be valuable for the duration of his life and increased his level of responsibility by experiencing what it is like for someone to depend on you. Also important, John has built up his resume which will provide him a good platform on which he can build his future… in college, his career, and his personal life.
Take the opportunity to find out how you can give back to the life of a child. The relationship between John and Jacobe is proof that all it takes is one to two hours a week to see a lifetime of difference in a child’s life. For more information, please contact Candice Johnson at the Clinton County MSU Extension office at (989) 224-5250 or john2395@msu.edu.