I have always loved to work with people and have spent time tutoring younger students and some of my peers. However, I am most proud of the time I have spent with the Reach Our Youth volunteer organization.  This program is run through the Huron County Juvenile Court system, in Norwalk, Ohio. The goal of the Reach Our Youth program is to provide a positive role model for children in need of guidance and support. For almost a year, I have served as a mentor to an 8-year-old girl. My mother was familiar with the Reach Our Youth program and suggested that I might be interested in a mentoring project because she knows how much I enjoy working with young children. I contacted the Reach Our Youth office and scheduled an appointment to learn more about the program. At my interview, I learned what a mentor’s role was, and how I might be able to help a young child. At the interview, the project coordinator asked if I would be willing to work with a young girl from a community that would involve a 30 minute drive from my home.  My county is a rural farming community composed of small towns and villages. It is predominately Caucasian with pockets of Hispanic migrant families working for growers located in Willard, OH. My project coordinator indicated that she was unable to find volunteers to work with children from that area for many reasons, one being that the area was financially distressed. Though I was concerned with the time I would spend traveling that would take away from my time spent with my mentee, I welcomed the opportunity to work with someone of a culture different from my own. Once I move on to college I will meet many people from many cultures; an opportunity I anticipate with pleasure.  

 

Shortly thereafter, I met my new friend. We spend time every week doing homework, reading together and riding bikes. Sometimes I just listen to her as she shares her thoughts and feelings. Sheexplains the traditions of her family and her mother is very open to answering questions that may come up. Sadly though, through discussions with her mother, I have learned that she cannot see college as an option for her daughter; even though her daughter is remarkably bright. I hope that I will be able to influence my young friend and encourage her mother to see that education must be a priority for her now and in the future. Those discussions have made me realize how fortunate I am. I refuse to waste my intellect, when others may not even foresee a chance to test theirs.

 

In my family, I am the youngest child by fifteen years. I have nieces and nephews but they are too young to see me as a role model; being in the Reach Our Youth program has allowed me to become one. Not only do I set an example, but my “mentee” has become a little sister figure and friend to me. In difficult situations, I often catch myself thinking of her. If she were watching, would she see my actions as disappointing? Would I do this if she were watching? Though I consider myself to be a level-headed teenager, I am still a teenager none the less.  Thoughts of my 'mentee' have made me consider my actions on a few occasions.

Another favorite aspect of spending time with her is her youthfulness. She reminds me to use my imagination, and to not take myself too seriously. One of her favorite warm weather pastimes is to imagine pictures in the clouds; we lay in the grass together to dream and forget about the world. While it is important to be proper in appropriate situations, I feel that too many people are never truly able to relax. She reminds me not to get overly worked up in stressful situations so that I do not lose sight of life’s natural gifts.

 

 I believe I learn as much from my young friend as I hope she learns from me.  Another way in which I have grown through working with the Reach Our Youth program, is that my self confidence and self awareness have developed. As she and I talk to find ways to deal with the problems of an 8-year old, I see that the challenges facing me are not insurmountable. For instance, I see moving from the village of Monroeville, Ohio to The Ohio State University, where my freshman class will be larger than my home town as an exciting challenge instead of a frightening impossibility. I am planning to use my love of helping others in my daily career, as I wish to enter a career in the medical field, hopefully in pediatrics. To reach that dream I am going to attend the honors college at The Ohio State University. I am confident in myself that I can handle the transition without being overwhelmed, but I am not afraid to stop and ask questions along my way.

 

 I have encouraged many people to consider becoming Reach Our Youth mentor as the rewards far outweigh the time away from my peers and routine teenage activities.  I plan to continue being her friend and mentor even while in college. Maybe one day, I can invite her to a ‘little sister’ college visit.