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School Zone
A Mentoring Moment: Jill
Johnson
When I decided to become a
mentor, my work kept me going from one place to another,
so I decided not to do the traditional one-to-one
mentoring relationship. I wanted to be dependable, so in
other words, I did not want to have to cancel at the
last minute because my work was so crazy. I decided that
in order to mentor, I needed a back-up, which is where
Jodi came in. She and I worked together at the time, and
shared equally hectic schedules, so we decided that both
of us would mentor one student. This way, if a last
minute conflict came up, the other mentor would meet
with our mentee, and she would never feel forgotten or
unimportant.
Mentoring has given me as
much, if not more satisfaction than I hope our mentee
has received. Having two mentors has allowed Olivia to
have two different relationships with people that have a
genuine interest in her well-being. Not only do we talk
about school, we are able to connect with her as a “Big
Sister.” We talk about the many things that go on in a
teenager’s life, what it is like to be in high school,
and the other challenges that are facing our youth.
One of my greatest memories
of mentoring was attending her middle school chorus
concert. All of the students were dressed in their 60’s
and 70’s garb, and Olivia was so happy to see Jodi and I
sitting in the audience watching right behind her
family.
I am thankful to have had the
opportunity to meet with Olivia since she was in the 7th
grade, and have enjoyed watching her grow into a
beautiful young lady. I look forward to her continuing
to teach me, as, I watch her become the woman I know she
will be.
MENTORING!
Sign up to be a mentor today!
DCPS employees are being
encouraged to sign up before June 21, to become a mentor when schools reopen.
This recruitment drive is part of the United Way of
Northeast Florida’s National Day of Action on June 21.
Sign up today by going to
www.uwnefl.org/mentor.
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