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.
Christine Sorrels is director of Yukon Public Schools' Volunteer and Mentor Program.
Why is mentoring important to you?
I have seen it work! I have been a proponent and program initiator for Mentoring in our school district for the past 9 years.
How or why did you become involved?
I helped begin the mentoring program after reading and hearing on a national level what mentoring programs were doing across the country. Being involved in counselor assisted curriculum and matching volunteers. This was a logical step and hopefully a solution to what many of our students needs.
How have you personally benefited from mentoring?
Over the past nine years I have had three different mentees. The first little boy for one year. The next child, a little girl, for two years before they moved away. I currently am with my mentee, a girl for the past six years. I have seen the changes in behavior of students for the better. I have witnessed them opening up to me and sharing their fears and also their good times. For me personally its truly knowing that over time, you can help a child that isn't even related to you, just by consistently donating a little time and sharing on a regular basis. I have also been told, "her grades and behavior are so much better since you have been coming." "She needs you in her life right now." How can you refuse that...especially when each and every time you see their eyes light up the moment they first see you.
Give an example of an activity you have shared with your mentee.
We play games, Connect Four mostly. I think that we can talk and share easily while playing. Plus She beats me every time! We have also read books together. I have brought a digital camera and have taken photos of each other and different things around the school. I print off the pictures for her. We have talked about hand and nail hygiene and done a mini manicure. It's not always about the activity for us, it's more about just having the time to talk and for me to listen to what has gone on in her life that week. Each and every time is a "good" time.