My name is Kate and I’m 17 years old and a senior at Sonoma Valley High School!
My mentor Linda and I have been friends since I was in 2nd grade at Prestwood Elementary School. My teacher at the time thought that I would benefit from having a person like Linda in my life.
My mom loved and appreciated the idea.
Linda would come to school each week for an hour and we would chat, do homework, play games and get to know each other better. It was really nice. I felt special. Over the years we would attend SUPER FUN mentoring events together (bowling, dance classes, art classes, culinary classes, mini golf, etc.) We also go to lunch a lot together which I love because I am a foodie 🙂
I even got to know her daughters super well and in 3rd grade I helped Linda and her daughter, who is a school teacher, set up her daughter’s classroom for the year ahead. We really got to know each other and she has provided a friendship that has been sweet, strong, reliable and more.
My grandma passed away when I was in elementary school and she lost a dear loved one just after me. We were there for each other in a nice way.
I believe that with Mentors we can be provided with an extra heart and set of ears and eyes in our life and lucky for me, this has been Linda!
She travels, I’m a busy teen. We both have many great friends and family members… so it’s not about quantity of time, it’s about Quality of time and touching base and post cards and getting together when we can. Having a Linda has been instrumental in building self confidence, trust and more.
I often think about what it would be like if I didn’t have Linda in my life since 2nd grade and truly know my life wouldn’t be the same. My life has been richer and fuller because of her being my Mentor… life changing really. I am grateful to my 2nd grade teacher and the mentoring alliance and to Linda, of course. Being a mentee has made me realize how important it is to be a Mentor and role model to others. It has motivated me to help young kids, to coach and to make a difference.
This experience has created a true ripple effect.
Thank you Mentoring Alliance and Linda.
Mentee Kate