The second of our three GR8 MATES programs finished last week and we enjoyed a great celebration of the mentoring journey. 10 or 11 of the mentors have now committed to mentoring another student next year. One mentor is moving from the area, otherwise would be involved and the other lectures in a Tertiary College, so might not be able to participate due to timetable clashes. Many mentors will stay in touch with their students.
Students shared anything they wished about the journey and the mentors did likewise. The following two testaments to mentors highlight the power of youth mentoring and this after only six months, which I still think is too short.
GR8 MATES Year 10 student’s address to the gathering of mentors and mentees at the celebratory event to mark the end of the program (names have been changed to protect privacy).
Dear Anne
Thank you for all the help and support you have given me over the months we have been together.
You have made me realise that nothing is impossible and I can do anything I aspire to be.
You’ve made me stronger both physically and mentally. Before I met you my anger got the best of me. Now, through your support, anger and depression no longer are part of me.
Now I believe I’m making something of my life and to better my future. You have shown me the importance of a good career and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I could never thank you enough. You are truly the most caring person I’ve ever met and I wish to thank you for your commitment to me. You’ve made me a better person and for that I will never forget you.
Thank you.
James
Year 10 student’s note to her mentor at the conclusion of a GR8 MATES pilot program (names changed to protect identity):
To Jo
I write this letter to thank you Jo because without you I doubt I would have gotton through the year. You’ve been a mentor and a friend, which is more than I could of expected and I also thank you for your patience and guidance and I’m glad to have a mentor who cares as much as you care.
Whether I fail school or not, I also want to give you my deepest gratitude for all your help. It was your time to do with what you wish. Instead you came to my school every [week] and offered me advice and friendship!
Kath
Our third pilot concludes this week and I wonder what will occur at that celebratory event :-)
Students shared anything they wished about the journey and the mentors did likewise. The following two testaments to mentors highlight the power of youth mentoring and this after only six months, which I still think is too short.
GR8 MATES Year 10 student’s address to the gathering of mentors and mentees at the celebratory event to mark the end of the program (names have been changed to protect privacy).
Dear Anne
Thank you for all the help and support you have given me over the months we have been together.
You have made me realise that nothing is impossible and I can do anything I aspire to be.
You’ve made me stronger both physically and mentally. Before I met you my anger got the best of me. Now, through your support, anger and depression no longer are part of me.
Now I believe I’m making something of my life and to better my future. You have shown me the importance of a good career and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I could never thank you enough. You are truly the most caring person I’ve ever met and I wish to thank you for your commitment to me. You’ve made me a better person and for that I will never forget you.
Thank you.
James
Year 10 student’s note to her mentor at the conclusion of a GR8 MATES pilot program (names changed to protect identity):
To Jo
I write this letter to thank you Jo because without you I doubt I would have gotton through the year. You’ve been a mentor and a friend, which is more than I could of expected and I also thank you for your patience and guidance and I’m glad to have a mentor who cares as much as you care.
Whether I fail school or not, I also want to give you my deepest gratitude for all your help. It was your time to do with what you wish. Instead you came to my school every [week] and offered me advice and friendship!
Kath
Our third pilot concludes this week and I wonder what will occur at that celebratory event :-)
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