Mentors often mention feeling unsure about whether they are having an impact on their protégés. You cannot spend time with another individual without impacting each other in some way, to some degree. You can make a concerted effort to assist a child who is reading below grade level to become more proficient by reading together. This may observably improve his reading skills. A less measurable impact that may be far more life changing may occur in the area of improved self esteem, not just because of the improved reading ability but because of the message conveyed to the child during the process of reading that the child is worthwhile. The development of skills and a recognition of the worth of a child are two protective factors that help children avoid substance abuse issues. The bonding  that occurs between a protégé and his mentor offers more protection against the lure of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Empowering children to make the choice to avoid abusing harmful substances is the mission of Discovering Options. The impact mentors can have far supersedes this goal.

Granted, mentors are just one element in the constellation of forces that impact children. Peers, family, school, neighborhood, and society all exert their forces on children as well.    However we have all read about or heard interviews with people of noted achievement whose roots have been in poverty, neglect, devaluation, or disenfranchisement. Those successful individuals all point to one common denominator in their ability to flourish despite the odds. They can identify one person in their childhood or adolescence who enabled them to see themselves as competent and deserving. For some it was a teacher or coach, for others it was a neighbor or an older relative. That person demonstrated a belief in the child, recognized his abilities or skills, and had a caring relationship with him. Those people were mentors.   And they did have an impact.

Miss Kelly Lachacjzyk, LCSW