Why I Mentor

Oklahomans in every corner of the state are volunteering time each week to make a difference in a child's life. The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has asked some of these mentors to share their experiences.

Terry Dean, president of Arvest Bank in Yukon, began mentoring kindergartners 11 years ago while serving as superintendent of Yukon Public Schools.

Terry Dean with kindergartners in YukonWhy is mentoring important to you?
I really just enjoyed the feeling of unconditional love that kindergartners will give you and the hugs and the attention. I decided to make this my once-a-week mentor time. I feel it is really important to give back.

How or why did you become involved?
My degree was in secondary education and that is where I had spent my career before becoming the superintendent. I noticed it always felt good and grounded in the elementary schools. It seemed I always gravitated to Mrs. Williams’ room and she tolerated my intrusions.

How did mentoring impact you as a student?
I went to a very rural school. All the high school teachers were my mentors. They really took the time to listen and work with you. We received lots of one-on-one attention.

The Miller Mentor coordinator shares her view of one of Yukon's mentors.
When Yukon’s Helping Hands coordinator Christine Sorrels visited the classroom, she said “The first thing I observed was a 6’3" man sitting at a half moon shaped tiny table. All the little 5-year-old girls in the class were being taught and playing a learning game, Capital Letter Bingo, with Mr. Terry Dean.”