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What is mentoring
Mentoring comes from the Greek word meaning enduring—it
is defined as a sustained one-to-one relationship between a pair of unrelated
individuals, usually of different ages, which takes place on a regular basis
over an extended period of time. A "special bond of mutual commitment"
and "an emotional character of respect, loyalty, and identification"
usually characterize it. Through continued involvement, the adult offers support,
guidance, and assistance as a young person goes through difficult periods or
faces new challenges. Mentors can play a critical role in effecting change in
the life of a young person.
Does Mentoring Really Work?
Yes, in a number of case studies across the country, institutions and individuals
have given startling statistics and testimony regarding the benefit of mentoring
relationships. In a study in the late 1980s, psychologist Ellen Slicker, Ph.D.,
of Middle Tennessee State University, found a 100%, retention rate for well-mentored
sophomores in a study she conducted in Houston's Spring High School. Every student
who had a positive experience returned to school in the fall after participating
in a mentoring program.
From our research and experience, mentoring relationships create choices for
the teen. It gives them a broader more positive perspective on life resulting
in decisions that alter the destructive and sometimes hopeless course that today's
troubled teen has come so accustomed to. Successful teen mentoring programs
around the country have produced teens having an improvement in:
| Feelings about him/herself |
90% |
| General behavior |
88% |
| Grades in school |
86% |
| Attendance in school |
76% |
| Attitude toward school |
83% |
| Relationship w/other children |
89% |
| Relationship w/other adults |
89% |
| Independence |
88% |
| Assertion |
94% |
| Maturity |
73% |
Who Benefits From Mentoring Programs?
Looking at all the statistics available, it's obvious that young people themselves
benefit greatly from mentoring relationships. But the benefactors of this king
of relationship reach far beyond the adult and teen involved in the actual relationship.
- The Family: Once a young person begins to change
his/her behavior and attitude toward him/herself, others in his/her community,
the family experiences a more focused person with direction, hope and esteem.
He becomes a contributor to the family instead of a burden.
- The Community: An individual becomes less destructive
in his/her lifestyle which usually results in a greater degree of respect
for and awareness of the community and the people around them.
- The School: A hunger to learn is a common trait
developed in a mentored teen, which previously had no hope of succeeding in
life or no reason to succeed. Mentoring gives the young person a model to gauge
success and demonstrate that success is attainable. It also produces an admiration
and respect for the school, faculty and staff.
Sandra Castellano, a Houston community activist, wasn't surprised when officials
at a local high school expelled Crystal, a young girl she was mentoring. She
knew Crystal had been skipping school and blamed her behavior on a "bad
crowd" with whom Crystal had become friendly. On Castellano's suggestion,
Crystal apologized to the school principal and was allowed back. Now Castellano
and the school are seeing a different young lady. Because Crystal was given a
chance, she was encouraged to change her behavior. Crystal had never been given
a second chance at anything before and had given up on what we call "a
fair shake in life." Crystal may have never listened to Sandra if it had
not been for the relationship that was established.
Who Is Qualified To Be a Mentor
If you are reading this with a great deal of concern or interest, you are qualified.
If you are willing to give time and energy to the life of a young person, you
are qualified. If you are willing to be consistent, patient and understanding,
you are qualified. If you can listen more than you can talk, you are qualified.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to mentor a teen. You don't need a certain
college degree to mentor a teen. Knowing how to play a certain sport doesn't
qualify you. Being loving and willing to give back a little of what you have
qualifies you to be a mentor.
Excerpts taken from ONE AT A TIME: A Mentoring Program
To Equip The Local Church To Mentor Teens And Their Families. Copyright
© 1997.
Other Resources
Turmoil in America
What is a mentor?
Helpful Links
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