Mentoring Stories from James T. Alton and Vine Grove Elementary School 2013/2014
This has been a great experience for me because I really do feel like I am making a difference with
the young man I have worked with. We talk sports, play cell phone games, and I have even helped him
with homework assignments to improve his grades. This is a great program that I want to continue to be a part of.
Thanks, Mr. Sutton
MY MENTEE
My mentee is a special student who displays her individualism more and
more as we get acquainted with each other. She has so much character.
When we first meet each week, she takes my hand as we walk to the Library
or Conference Room to read or play games.
She is very conscientious and is honest and truthful in everything we
attempt to do during our hour together.
She tries to do everything correctly and is considerate of my feelings as
well. She seems to enjoy reading a
test book and then passing a test on what she has read.
I enjoy our time together and hope to continue spending time with a sweet
girl.
Another story goes......
I started this program thinking I was going to have my hands full
with the child I was assigned. I looked forward to the challenge. What I
found was an aspiring young man with dreams, manners and a kind heart. I'm not
sure who benefited most from this program, him or me. It has been great
working with this fine young man, his grades have improved and he tells me he
started going to church with his father on Sundays. He has the best teacher
right now, she supports him and pushes him to do better and it is showing. I
must say I look forward to my one hour per week with my mentee and I think it
is safe to say he looks forward to it as well.
Here's my story so far:
I am enjoying the program so far (only 2 meetings so
far). My mentee is so cute and nice and so smart. I love his enthusiasm. He
actually hugged me when I left him the week before fall break. Such a well
mannered young man. Although, I can tell he can be a little hyper from time to
time. He is very mature and I can tell he enjoys interacting with adults. He
doesn't treat me like I'm an old lady! This has been a very positive
experience so far.
This has been a great experience for me because I really do feel like I am making a difference with
the young man I have worked with. We talk sports, play cell phone games, and I have even helped him
with homework assignments to improve his grades. This is a great program that I want to continue to be a part of.
Thanks, Mr. Sutton
MY MENTEE
My mentee is a special student who displays her individualism more and
more as we get acquainted with each other. She has so much character.
When we first meet each week, she takes my hand as we walk to the Library
or Conference Room to read or play games.
She is very conscientious and is honest and truthful in everything we
attempt to do during our hour together.
She tries to do everything correctly and is considerate of my feelings as
well. She seems to enjoy reading a
test book and then passing a test on what she has read.
I enjoy our time together and hope to continue spending time with a sweet
girl.
Another story goes......
I started this program thinking I was going to have my hands full
with the child I was assigned. I looked forward to the challenge. What I
found was an aspiring young man with dreams, manners and a kind heart. I'm not
sure who benefited most from this program, him or me. It has been great
working with this fine young man, his grades have improved and he tells me he
started going to church with his father on Sundays. He has the best teacher
right now, she supports him and pushes him to do better and it is showing. I
must say I look forward to my one hour per week with my mentee and I think it
is safe to say he looks forward to it as well.
Here's my story so far:
I am enjoying the program so far (only 2 meetings so
far). My mentee is so cute and nice and so smart. I love his enthusiasm. He
actually hugged me when I left him the week before fall break. Such a well
mannered young man. Although, I can tell he can be a little hyper from time to
time. He is very mature and I can tell he enjoys interacting with adults. He
doesn't treat me like I'm an old lady! This has been a very positive
experience so far.
Previous Stories
A letter from the Swiger Family.
Hello! Our names are Robin and Jessica Swiger. We are the parents of Donovan Swiger. Donovan is a student at North Middle School and has been a participant in the One Hour Revolution program that started in Radcliff Elementary in the 2010-2011 school years. We would like to tell you about our experience from this program as a family, and of course Donovan’s experiences.
Donovan was 10 years old when he brought home the paperwork about the One Hour Revolution, and we talked about him being part of it, since it was the first time that it had been in the schools. We felt that with all of Donovan’s problems, that it would be good for him to have someone who wasn’t family to encourage him on a regular basis. Donovan has two older brothers, one younger brother and one younger sister. As you can tell, it may be pretty easy for Donovan to feel lost in all the hustle and bustle of a busy household. As a family, we encourage him regularly, but with someone from the outside doing it too, we felt that it would be a great opportunity for not only him but for his “big brother or sister” too. We have seen in the past how these programs work for young people and wanted Donovan to be just as encouraged.
From the beginning of Donovan’s meetings with Leland (his mentor), we could tell a difference with Donovan’s behavior and his attitude. He couldn’t wait to go to school, and his grades has started going up. He didn’t like missing school for any reason. Donovan was smiling all the time! As a parent, that is a blessing to see! Donovan was working hard and couldn’t wait for that next meeting. There was one time that Donovan came home and said that it had been 32 days since he had seen Leland due to illness and weather. He had kept track! During those 32 days, we noticed that Donovan wasn’t trying as hard in school and his confidence (no matter how hard we tried at home) had dwindled. When he finally got to meet with Leland after that time frame, he was bouncing off the wall with joy and happiness. His confidence was boosted as was his effort in school and his attitude at home. Our boy was back to himself again!
When the end of the school year came around, and the lunch was held at the school for their last meeting, Donovan came home crying. I had asked what was wrong, and he told me that it was his last meeting with Leland, and he was never going to get to see him again. He was so upset! He always referred to Leland as his older brother, and the thought of “loosing” him was very upsetting to him. We called the school to find out if we could meet Leland. We wanted to meet the man who has had such an impact on Donovan’s young life, and we wanted to keep the meetings going for Donovan into middle school, if Leland wanted to continue with him.
We met Leland a few days later and told him Donovan’s reaction, and that is when we found out that Donovan had impacted his life as well. He, too, had wanted to keep the meetings going with Donovan all the way through middle school. We exchanged email addresses, mailing addresses and phone numbers for continued contact over the summer, with hope that the meetings would start immediately after school started.
Over the summer, Leland would send cards and emails to keep up with Donovan, and Donovan’s reaction to every last one of them was the same. Complete joy and happiness from this young man. As of recently, Donovan and Leland have not met, but that was due to Donovan’s medical issues at the time. Leland had found out about Donovan’s grades and his broken arm, and has sent cards of encouragement to him. Donovan has every card and email from Leland in a box along with a picture of the two of them together. He is looking forward to having his “big brother” in his life at school. His grades came up just at the mention of Leland coming to visit him.
We guess our point is this: One Hour Revolution is a wonderful program that not only helps the children, but it helps the mentors as well as the families on both sides. It helps the children feel encouraged about everything in their lives. It gives them someone from the “outside” to talk to, to look up to. The mentors have a chance to help change a young person’s life in some way, to be a role model for them. It even helps fill any voids there may be. As for the families, we get to watch the child grow into the person that we know they can be, and watch the mentor work with pride and know that he or she has a feeling of accomplishment. The mentor feels good about what they are doing and the child feels good about themselves.
We can’t say enough about this program. We love it, and we would love for this program to continue into all the schools in the county, not just the elementary schools. To see the joy on Donovan’s face at the mention of Leland makes our hearts warm. Our son Levi starts the program this year and we can only hope that they match him up with a mentor as good for him as Leland is good for Donovan. Please keep the program going, and expand it! Not only is it good for the children of Hardin County, but it is good for all of us. We can really learn from these children, and a day where we don’t learn something from someone is a day that is not successful for anyone.
Thank you for reading this letter. Thanks to the One Hour Revolution for having such an impact on the young life of our son Donovan, and we hope that you all will keep this program going. It does have a tremendous impact on all who participate.
Thank you,
Robin and Jessica Swiger
*Please note: Outside contact (phone, e-mail, etc.) is NOT permitted in the OHR program. If the parents and mentor want to exchange information, that decision is completely up to them, but for safety/liability of the children and program, we do not promote outside contact.
Donovan was 10 years old when he brought home the paperwork about the One Hour Revolution, and we talked about him being part of it, since it was the first time that it had been in the schools. We felt that with all of Donovan’s problems, that it would be good for him to have someone who wasn’t family to encourage him on a regular basis. Donovan has two older brothers, one younger brother and one younger sister. As you can tell, it may be pretty easy for Donovan to feel lost in all the hustle and bustle of a busy household. As a family, we encourage him regularly, but with someone from the outside doing it too, we felt that it would be a great opportunity for not only him but for his “big brother or sister” too. We have seen in the past how these programs work for young people and wanted Donovan to be just as encouraged.
From the beginning of Donovan’s meetings with Leland (his mentor), we could tell a difference with Donovan’s behavior and his attitude. He couldn’t wait to go to school, and his grades has started going up. He didn’t like missing school for any reason. Donovan was smiling all the time! As a parent, that is a blessing to see! Donovan was working hard and couldn’t wait for that next meeting. There was one time that Donovan came home and said that it had been 32 days since he had seen Leland due to illness and weather. He had kept track! During those 32 days, we noticed that Donovan wasn’t trying as hard in school and his confidence (no matter how hard we tried at home) had dwindled. When he finally got to meet with Leland after that time frame, he was bouncing off the wall with joy and happiness. His confidence was boosted as was his effort in school and his attitude at home. Our boy was back to himself again!
When the end of the school year came around, and the lunch was held at the school for their last meeting, Donovan came home crying. I had asked what was wrong, and he told me that it was his last meeting with Leland, and he was never going to get to see him again. He was so upset! He always referred to Leland as his older brother, and the thought of “loosing” him was very upsetting to him. We called the school to find out if we could meet Leland. We wanted to meet the man who has had such an impact on Donovan’s young life, and we wanted to keep the meetings going for Donovan into middle school, if Leland wanted to continue with him.
We met Leland a few days later and told him Donovan’s reaction, and that is when we found out that Donovan had impacted his life as well. He, too, had wanted to keep the meetings going with Donovan all the way through middle school. We exchanged email addresses, mailing addresses and phone numbers for continued contact over the summer, with hope that the meetings would start immediately after school started.
Over the summer, Leland would send cards and emails to keep up with Donovan, and Donovan’s reaction to every last one of them was the same. Complete joy and happiness from this young man. As of recently, Donovan and Leland have not met, but that was due to Donovan’s medical issues at the time. Leland had found out about Donovan’s grades and his broken arm, and has sent cards of encouragement to him. Donovan has every card and email from Leland in a box along with a picture of the two of them together. He is looking forward to having his “big brother” in his life at school. His grades came up just at the mention of Leland coming to visit him.
We guess our point is this: One Hour Revolution is a wonderful program that not only helps the children, but it helps the mentors as well as the families on both sides. It helps the children feel encouraged about everything in their lives. It gives them someone from the “outside” to talk to, to look up to. The mentors have a chance to help change a young person’s life in some way, to be a role model for them. It even helps fill any voids there may be. As for the families, we get to watch the child grow into the person that we know they can be, and watch the mentor work with pride and know that he or she has a feeling of accomplishment. The mentor feels good about what they are doing and the child feels good about themselves.
We can’t say enough about this program. We love it, and we would love for this program to continue into all the schools in the county, not just the elementary schools. To see the joy on Donovan’s face at the mention of Leland makes our hearts warm. Our son Levi starts the program this year and we can only hope that they match him up with a mentor as good for him as Leland is good for Donovan. Please keep the program going, and expand it! Not only is it good for the children of Hardin County, but it is good for all of us. We can really learn from these children, and a day where we don’t learn something from someone is a day that is not successful for anyone.
Thank you for reading this letter. Thanks to the One Hour Revolution for having such an impact on the young life of our son Donovan, and we hope that you all will keep this program going. It does have a tremendous impact on all who participate.
Thank you,
Robin and Jessica Swiger
*Please note: Outside contact (phone, e-mail, etc.) is NOT permitted in the OHR program. If the parents and mentor want to exchange information, that decision is completely up to them, but for safety/liability of the children and program, we do not promote outside contact.
Mentoring Testimonial by Jo Emary.
I want to begin by prefacing this true story with the backdrop of two former roles that had a profound impact on why I stand here today, and I’ll share a third in a few moments. The first role was that of Executive Director for the Radcliff Chamber of Commerce for 8 years. In that role, I heard constantly from employers that they were in desperate need of a capable, well-educated workforce that was well trained not only with trade skills, but soft skills as well. They complained to me on a regular basis that it was tough going to find such skill sets. I heard from my colleagues in other parts of the Commonwealth that they shared the same burden in their respective communities.
The second role in which I served was that of School Board Member in Hardin County Schools for just over 3 years. In that role, I learned more than I ever could have imagined about the issues and challenges that many of our students face in terms of family and social structure and/or lack thereof. Other shortcomings, for too many of our students that are beyond their control, include lack of basic needs such as food, clothing, healthcare and school supplies.
My good friend, Representative Tim Moore, and I had more than one conversation about economic development – one such conversation occurred after I threw my newspaper across the room after reading that our Legislators had funded $6M for Kentucky’s economic development in the form of a polar bear project. Now, please do not mistake me for an anti-polar bear person…for that I am not. But, at that time, I was serving as both Chamber Executive Director and School Board Member, so I was hearing in one ear from local prospective employers about their workforce needs, and in the other ear, from our Superintendent and Associate Superintendent of Finance, that our school district, along with all others across the state, were facing devastating budget cuts. So, to have it hit me between the eyes that our Legislators did not truly comprehend that the TRUEST form of economic development lies in the education of, and investment in, our children, was disappointing, to say the least. Representative Moore and I did agree that until that message was completely driven home and embraced in Frankfort, our Commonwealth was doomed for last place every time, all the time.
So, I wondered, what can we DO in the face of such overwhelming odds? The answer came in late 2008 as I sat in a Community Leadership session and learned more about the Mentoring Program in Hardin County Schools. From that session, I began to fall under conviction that I had to do more than just talk the talk…I had to walk the walk. Thus, I began to prepare myself emotional, spiritually and professionally to enter the mentor’s journey through a one-hour commitment per week.
I forced myself to answer the following questions, honestly and without reservation:
· Do I feel truly called to this role?
· Am I up to the challenge?
· Am I committed to putting the time aside to reach out and make this difference?
· If I choose to embark down this path, am I ready to listen, REALLY listen to what my child is saying…needs to say?
· If the going gets tough, will I be committed to remaining non-judgmental and reach below the surface of what is being said or done to love unconditionally?
· Am I prepared to have my heart broken if this child is taken away, moves away, or chooses to no longer allow me to be his or her mentor?
· Am I prepared to become absolutely intertwined in this young human being’s life?
Once the answer of “YES” came from each of these questions, the rest got pretty exciting. I completed the administrative part of the process, then waited anxiously to hear about who I would be assigned to mentor. I was not to be disappointed!
You see, I met Johnny. Wonderful-age 10-now nearly 13-out-of-the-box-thinking-Johnny. A sharp little cookie (who is now taller than me) who shared my love of computers...and therein was the immediate connect. I figured out, with Johnny’s help, that you don’t really have to worry about the connection…kids will ask you a million questions, and you are sure to find something you both agree on. Now, Johnny and I did try a few board games, but they were just no match for our keen interest in the world of the Marvel Kids website and games, which, I must add, had a certain educational component to them. J
Johnny and I always have such fun, and Johnny sometimes shakes his head and tells me I’m a nut when I clutch my chest and throw myself back in my chair after getting “lazered” by rogue robots in twisted mazes in my attempt to gain Wolverine hero status. I simply can’t get past level 10, but Johnny doesn’t seem to care – he’s just glad I’m there. Sometimes we build on-line roller coasters, which I must interject, have a certain educational component as well, particularly with regard to geometry and quantum physics…whatever, those both sound good to me. Johnny takes delight in occasionally re-arranging my roller coaster creations, thus causing a bit of a train wreck, which is OK by me, because I don’t really care about those roller coaster creations at the end of the day. I care about Johnny. I care that, he and I, amidst the viewing of heroes and villains of his comic book and mythological interests, have had the chance to connect and talk about what’s really important. And, you might ask yourself, exactly how much connecting can happen while staring at a computer screen? Well, it happens, and I’m just happy to be there to ease into the moment to do a pulse check to see how things are going in Johnny’s world.
We’ve eased into our friendship like a favorite old sweatshirt – and I am amazed at the journey of coming to this place. And, after knowing Johnny for three years now, I’ve caught onto something…he gives me much more than I give him. He allows me to be me; he invites me, without even knowing it, to be a kid again as he makes observations from his eye level that we as adults have long forgotten how to do. He is honest, unpretentious and unapologetically friendly and accepting of everyone around him. He’s a good brother to his little sister, who, by the way, also stole my heart. Johnny’s the REAL deal, and he teaches me how to back up and approach life from a refreshed perspective every time I enjoy the pleasure of his company. Above all, he honors me with his trust and friendship.
I feel especially grateful that he has allowed me to follow him to middle school this year. I feared that it might not be “cool” to have a mentor at middle school, but Johnny seems quite at ease, and proud even, when I show up at his door. You can bet that not only am I grateful for this, but I fully intend to enjoy that privilege for as long as Johnny will allow it. For however long, though, I will never forget that he allowed me into his world, and I will be forever touched by his generosity.
As mentioned earlier, there is a third role that has brought me here today…one that I am compelled to share. It is something that not everyone knows about me, and in the telling, I bear in mind that this is not about me. With the sharing, though, I hope to drive home the fact that becoming involved in the life of a child can have more far-reaching effects than most of us can imagine. You see, I am a rescued child…adopted and cared for by not just a few, but many, caring adults who changed the course of my life with unconditional love and the simple investment of their time…because, they believed they could make a difference. They were right.
We continually hear, and often quote the saying ourselves, “Our children are the future.” If we truly believe that, we must not just say it…we must dedicate ourselves to the reality that children don’t get to the future on their own. They must be mentored, nurtured, and encouraged…if not effectively or adequately by their own parents, then by the proverbial village. And you and I live in that village. If we accept the challenge of the “One Hour Revolution,” the rewards for our children, and community, will be overwhelmingly and positively successful.
The second role in which I served was that of School Board Member in Hardin County Schools for just over 3 years. In that role, I learned more than I ever could have imagined about the issues and challenges that many of our students face in terms of family and social structure and/or lack thereof. Other shortcomings, for too many of our students that are beyond their control, include lack of basic needs such as food, clothing, healthcare and school supplies.
My good friend, Representative Tim Moore, and I had more than one conversation about economic development – one such conversation occurred after I threw my newspaper across the room after reading that our Legislators had funded $6M for Kentucky’s economic development in the form of a polar bear project. Now, please do not mistake me for an anti-polar bear person…for that I am not. But, at that time, I was serving as both Chamber Executive Director and School Board Member, so I was hearing in one ear from local prospective employers about their workforce needs, and in the other ear, from our Superintendent and Associate Superintendent of Finance, that our school district, along with all others across the state, were facing devastating budget cuts. So, to have it hit me between the eyes that our Legislators did not truly comprehend that the TRUEST form of economic development lies in the education of, and investment in, our children, was disappointing, to say the least. Representative Moore and I did agree that until that message was completely driven home and embraced in Frankfort, our Commonwealth was doomed for last place every time, all the time.
So, I wondered, what can we DO in the face of such overwhelming odds? The answer came in late 2008 as I sat in a Community Leadership session and learned more about the Mentoring Program in Hardin County Schools. From that session, I began to fall under conviction that I had to do more than just talk the talk…I had to walk the walk. Thus, I began to prepare myself emotional, spiritually and professionally to enter the mentor’s journey through a one-hour commitment per week.
I forced myself to answer the following questions, honestly and without reservation:
· Do I feel truly called to this role?
· Am I up to the challenge?
· Am I committed to putting the time aside to reach out and make this difference?
· If I choose to embark down this path, am I ready to listen, REALLY listen to what my child is saying…needs to say?
· If the going gets tough, will I be committed to remaining non-judgmental and reach below the surface of what is being said or done to love unconditionally?
· Am I prepared to have my heart broken if this child is taken away, moves away, or chooses to no longer allow me to be his or her mentor?
· Am I prepared to become absolutely intertwined in this young human being’s life?
Once the answer of “YES” came from each of these questions, the rest got pretty exciting. I completed the administrative part of the process, then waited anxiously to hear about who I would be assigned to mentor. I was not to be disappointed!
You see, I met Johnny. Wonderful-age 10-now nearly 13-out-of-the-box-thinking-Johnny. A sharp little cookie (who is now taller than me) who shared my love of computers...and therein was the immediate connect. I figured out, with Johnny’s help, that you don’t really have to worry about the connection…kids will ask you a million questions, and you are sure to find something you both agree on. Now, Johnny and I did try a few board games, but they were just no match for our keen interest in the world of the Marvel Kids website and games, which, I must add, had a certain educational component to them. J
Johnny and I always have such fun, and Johnny sometimes shakes his head and tells me I’m a nut when I clutch my chest and throw myself back in my chair after getting “lazered” by rogue robots in twisted mazes in my attempt to gain Wolverine hero status. I simply can’t get past level 10, but Johnny doesn’t seem to care – he’s just glad I’m there. Sometimes we build on-line roller coasters, which I must interject, have a certain educational component as well, particularly with regard to geometry and quantum physics…whatever, those both sound good to me. Johnny takes delight in occasionally re-arranging my roller coaster creations, thus causing a bit of a train wreck, which is OK by me, because I don’t really care about those roller coaster creations at the end of the day. I care about Johnny. I care that, he and I, amidst the viewing of heroes and villains of his comic book and mythological interests, have had the chance to connect and talk about what’s really important. And, you might ask yourself, exactly how much connecting can happen while staring at a computer screen? Well, it happens, and I’m just happy to be there to ease into the moment to do a pulse check to see how things are going in Johnny’s world.
We’ve eased into our friendship like a favorite old sweatshirt – and I am amazed at the journey of coming to this place. And, after knowing Johnny for three years now, I’ve caught onto something…he gives me much more than I give him. He allows me to be me; he invites me, without even knowing it, to be a kid again as he makes observations from his eye level that we as adults have long forgotten how to do. He is honest, unpretentious and unapologetically friendly and accepting of everyone around him. He’s a good brother to his little sister, who, by the way, also stole my heart. Johnny’s the REAL deal, and he teaches me how to back up and approach life from a refreshed perspective every time I enjoy the pleasure of his company. Above all, he honors me with his trust and friendship.
I feel especially grateful that he has allowed me to follow him to middle school this year. I feared that it might not be “cool” to have a mentor at middle school, but Johnny seems quite at ease, and proud even, when I show up at his door. You can bet that not only am I grateful for this, but I fully intend to enjoy that privilege for as long as Johnny will allow it. For however long, though, I will never forget that he allowed me into his world, and I will be forever touched by his generosity.
As mentioned earlier, there is a third role that has brought me here today…one that I am compelled to share. It is something that not everyone knows about me, and in the telling, I bear in mind that this is not about me. With the sharing, though, I hope to drive home the fact that becoming involved in the life of a child can have more far-reaching effects than most of us can imagine. You see, I am a rescued child…adopted and cared for by not just a few, but many, caring adults who changed the course of my life with unconditional love and the simple investment of their time…because, they believed they could make a difference. They were right.
We continually hear, and often quote the saying ourselves, “Our children are the future.” If we truly believe that, we must not just say it…we must dedicate ourselves to the reality that children don’t get to the future on their own. They must be mentored, nurtured, and encouraged…if not effectively or adequately by their own parents, then by the proverbial village. And you and I live in that village. If we accept the challenge of the “One Hour Revolution,” the rewards for our children, and community, will be overwhelmingly and positively successful.
Leland Carlson, mentor to Donovan since 2010.
I have always wanted to do something good for someone other than my family. I wanted to mentor a young person whom I did not know. When I was told that mentors were needed at Radcliff Elementary School, I knew this was the right opportunity for me. I gladly put my name in the hat to become a mentor. At the time, I didn’t know what a great experience it was going to be. When I was approved to be a mentor, I told the Program Coordinator that I wanted to mentor a ten year-old boy. It didn’t take long for the Family Resource Center to find Donovan. It was a good fit from the start. He needed someone older to be a friend and I need someone younger outside of my family to befriend. We hit it off right from the start and things have been going great ever since. The One Hour Revolution Mentoring Program for Hardin County Schools has helped Donovan and I become more rounded individuals. He and I look forward to seeing each other every week. I have seen the growth he has made in our relationship. When he is asked by fellow classmates who I am, he proudly proclaims that he is part of the mentoring program and I’m his big brother. That statement alone makes this program worth being a part of me.