Written by a Kids Hope USA mentor beginning her first year of mentoring   

Mentoring Day 1  

It was a Wednesday. The first day that I’d meet my Kids Hope USA student. 

I’d been waiting for this day for a while. As someone who loves to learn and know details ahead of time, I learned more about the transformative impact of a Kids Hope USA program. I read quotes by everyone from students to principals to mentors to parents and was amazed at the statistics of how this program does make a difference. Now, I felt excited. Excited to be part of a mission that walks alongside students, encouraging and empowering them to be their best.  

But that excitement also didn’t make my nervousness disappear.  

Nervous because I hadn’t done this sort of thing in a while. Nervous that my student, Anna, wouldn’t want anything to do with me. Nervous that I’m not equipped enough and that there are so many more qualified people who probably do a much better job than me.  

But then I remembered what I heard repeated in mentor training: it’s about showing up.  

When I signed up to become a mentor, the program director knew I wasn’t a teacher. I wasn’t a school counselor or worked in child psychology. But I did know one thing: that I would show up. I was passionate about helping kids and would live into that by showing up each and every week.  

So with just three hours to go until mentoring, I needed to humble myself, praying that God would take the lead and help me to be equipped to serve this 2^nd grader I had yet to meet. I knew my prayer partner would be right there with me, praying for Anna, for our anticipated relationship, and for God to work through me to serve this little girl.  

Mentoring Day 2  

Today, week two, I approach mentoring with much less nervousness and much more excitement. Last week was such a thrill. My student, Anna, is amazing and so fun to spend time with. Our hour together seems to fly by. God truly blessed me with a great first mentoring day, better than I could have imagined.  

Today, I step into the halls of the elementary school with a little bit more confidence, even though I’m still learning the routine. I recognize her face when Anna walks into the office to head to the library together. I know some of her interests and ways to make her laugh.  

And as I look ahead to the school year, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to learn more about Anna and to discover ways to continue to encourage, support, and empower her. I know not every day will be perfect; everyone, including 2^nd graders can have off days. But I know I’m committed. To Anna, to this school year, to showing up each week to hang out with a really special little girl.  

Lord, equip me with perseverance, wisdom and the words to say as I meet with Anna each week. Use me to show your light to Anna so that she may be the best version of herself.  

Become a Mentor

Learn more about mentoring programs with Kids Hope USA by visiting our Program Page.  

The post Mentor Perspectives: Beginning with Excitement (and Nerves)    appeared first on Kids Hope USA.

Written by Heather, a Kids Hope USA parent, Kids Hope USA former mentor and an elementary school counselor  

Several years ago, my church started sharing about Kids Hope USA – what it was and that we’d be going to serve in a local elementary school. I was intrigued, and during the summer before school started, I went through the process of becoming a mentor and completing the requirements.  

During the first school year, I was partnered with a fourth grader. It was great; I really enjoyed it. We did some academic things, as well as social. I just tried to pour into his life.  

MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FAMILY 

When I started mentoring, my son was in kindergarten. After a couple of years, due to some change in our family dynamics, I returned to work. That’s when my son became a Kids Hope USA student and met with a mentor each week.  

My son and his mentor got along really well. Their relationship was a great fit. They played a lot of Legos! It became a really special relationship, going all the way through middle school. He was there for my son when he really needed it. For those key 5-6 years, it helped my son deal with things and filled a void of a relationship he was needing.  

His mentor took the time to tap into his likes and interests and to just spend time together.  My son even ended up being in his mentor’s wedding!  

A cool part of their relationship was that not only did it benefit my son, but it also was a blessing for me and my other two kids. Recently, we connected back with his mentor, and my son and his mentor have gotten together a couple of times. My son is now a high school graduate!  

SEEING THE IMPACT OF RELATIONSHIPS AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR  

In addition to having a child as a Kids Hope USA mentor, I also serve as a school counselor at an elementary school. Kids want someone to listen to them. They have so much to say. They just want to be loved and accepted. If they can have an adult pouring into them besides their family, it makes such a difference.  

In my role as a counselor here, I have the opportunity to meet with students one-on-one throughout the year. In this one-on-one setting, they can open up to you and tell you lots of things. It helps establish relationships.  

Kids Hope USA mentoring programs help students see that there are other caring adults aside from a teacher and a parent or two. It shows them they have value and helps to build their self-confidence. A lot of kids are excited when they know that the mentor is there just for them.  

For a mentor, you’re a blessing to the child, but they are also blessing you. Anytime you can make a difference and give to someone else, you’ll see the impact it can have on their life – how it can help them learn and grow in life – whether that’s in their faith, academics, whatever it is.  

Become a Mentor

Learn more about mentoring programs with Kids Hope USA by visiting our Program Page.  

The post Relationships as a Blessing appeared first on Kids Hope USA.

Read about what it’s like to become a Kids Hope USA mentor. Here, long-time mentor Deb shares her experience being part of the Kids Hope USA program at her church.

What inspired you to become a mentor with Kids Hope USA?

I am filled with gratitude and humility that as a child and young adult, people came into my life that provided mentorship, love and guidance that changed the trajectory of my life in such a positive way. I wanted to share that same type of influence with others. I thought I was unqualified to be a mentor and pushed away the nudge inside that kept prompting me to join the program. I am so glad I finally joined despite my doubts! I’ve been a mentor for eight years now.

What was your first mentoring session like?

It was a mix of nervousness and excitement for both my mentee and me!  We connected right away, and the time flew as we go100% that this was the perfect place I was supposed to be.

What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?

It fills my heart to share that by being a mentor, a deep relationship has been built with my mentee and her family. Through eight years, we have shared ups and downs.

The impact of showing up to do life together shows how true support and encouragement can help make someone feel like they are important and that they are loved.

In what ways, if any, has being a mentor affected you?

Being a mentor has been a journey of being okay with not knowing everything and relying on the fact that showing up with an open heart to share kindness is the best place to start. It has also provided the reminder to look for those who cross your path that may need a little extra dose of compassion and to not hold back in what might seem like a small act of kindness.

Why do you recommend others explore becoming a mentor?

I would highly recommend being a mentor because not only was my life changed by mentorship, but I have also seen the positive impact of those mentored in this program. There are so many amazing and talented kids whose gifts could shine even more with a little dose of encouragement and a consistent presence to show that they matter. If we each could share this support and guidance with one child, for one hour a week, imagine what a difference this could make!

Become a Mentor

Learn more about becoming a mentor at your church’s Kids Hope USA program. If your church doesn’t have a program yet, connect with your pastor to discover your next steps in beginning a partnership with your local elementary school.

The post Q&A With a Mentor: Deb appeared first on Kids Hope USA.