I was talking to Tony on Tuesday and in our conversation we began to talk about his mentee Evan. Their time together usually starts with a reading from a book that Tony chose. The book was talking about the idea of putting other things in your life before God. Evan didn’t respond right away when Tony asked him what things have greater priority in his life than God. For a minute there was silence as Evan thought about the question. Never being asked this question before, Evan didn’t know what to say.
It is a unique connection that mentors and mentee share with one another that influences the way each other acts and feels. As Evan sat there repeating the question in his head, it’s easy to see Tony’s influence. If Tony wasn’t an influence, Evan wouldn’t have cared about the question, or even bother answering. But because a bond of trust has been built between them, a true loving relationship can be formed.
It wasn’t too long ago when Evan told Tony that he wanted to quit swearing. He noticed the language was getting him in trouble and wanted to stop. I thought this to be incredible for a 5th grader to realize. At Evan’s age fitting in with the crowd means everything to a kid, but wanting to rise above the influence takes courage. Tony talked to him more about kicking the habit and what Evan could do to help.
Hearing the triumphs of people’s lives is similar to watching a good movie. Wanting to see the main character rise above their conflict and conquer their fear. Well occasionally I’m able to catch glimpses of these moments in the mentoring program when I talk to mentors about the significant growth their mentee has experienced.
The Mentoring Team
.jpg)
- Circle Urban's One-to-One Mentoring Initiative
- Dan & Emily have worked together in the Mentoring Program since it began in 2004. Their passionate concern for youth has helped make Circle's Mentoring Program grow and flourish.