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.
Claremore resident Jon Douthitt is a former associate district judge for Ottawa and Harper counties.
Why is mentoring important to you?
As a practicing lawyer and judge I learned that many young people lack a positive influence in their lives. I try to provide that influence along with a non-judgmental friendship.
How or why did you become involved?
I was made aware of need and felt it was something I could do. Frankly, I felt flattered to be asked.
How have you personally benefited from mentoring?
There is not much you can do that gives you a better feeling. I realize that my parents, as school teachers and coaches, did a lot of mentoring without calling it that.
Give an example of an activity you have shared with your mentee.
I felt an immediate connection or rapport with my second grader and the feeling was obviously mutual. We mainly walk, talk, read, shoot baskets or play catch. I have borrowed youth golf clubs and I’m going to have him swing. I don’t think he’s had much experience with sports and the like, but he catches on quickly and well.
For sometime I did not feel I was “hooking up” with my fourth grader and was becoming concerned. However, I learned from his teachers and a counselor that he really looked forward to our visits. Then, he invited me to be his guest at the school “Dad and Doughnuts” breakfast and that was a great honor to me. (Today—November 14—he was absent from school because of illness and I didn’t see him, but he called me this evening to tell me he had strep throat!). So, I think we’re good now.