Be a Mentor
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it
is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret
Mead, cultural anthropologist
College students can serve as important mentors to middle and high school students. Take the time to get to know the younger women in your life, and talk with them about what you are doing. Let them know the steps they can take now to open as many options as possible, and let them see the path you have taken. Often even a few conversations – when you are home for a holiday or visiting a school classroom – can help make a difference in a young girl’s life.
© Mary Fillmore, 2000.
For permission to copy, please call (802) 860-1034,
or e-mail mfillmor@together.net.
Top Reasons to Mentor a Younger Child
1. Connect with the community around your college
or university.
It is easy to forget that other people besides students
and professors live near your school. By mentoring a
child, you will learn more about your “home away
from home” and will feel more comfortable off
campus.
2. Get off campus and clear your mind!
Spending a couple hours a week at a local school or
youth center will give you a needed break from your
college life. Do your own thing! When you come back
to school, you will be happier to see your friends,
and you might even be ready to start studying for your
next exam.
3. Participate in meaningful community service.
Just as in applying to college, extracurricular activities
are important in medical and graduate school applications!
Graduate school and medical school admissions committees
look for students who have done relevant community service.
4. Be inventive!
Do something fun with your student! Encourage invention, such as building one's very own computer!
5. Inspire a future famous scientist!
Form a relationship with a young person that will encourage
her for the rest of her life. Who knows? Maybe your
eight year-old mentee will be the next Mae Jemison or
Jane Goodall! And who will she thank for encouraging
her interest in science? You!
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