March--Match of the Month 2020
As an Osmond TeamMates Mentor, Patti Ketelsen can identify with being a positive role model in a young person’s life. She was successfully matched with a young person when the Osmond program began six years ago, and continues with that match today. Her mentee is currently in the 9th grade. They meet regularly on Monday morning at 7:30 am. If there are other matches meeting at the same time, they will talk or do other activities with them.
During their time together, Patti has learned that her mentee is passionate about sports, particularly playing baseball and following the Cubs. He also enjoys playing other competitive sports, including basketball. Some of the TeamMates activities he enjoys include painting posters and attending the Husker Spring Games. Her match also values his time with his friends.
Patti feels that her relationship with her mentor is a “give and take”, just like any relationship. She says, “There could be days that you don’t realize that you made a difference. Then something happens, and you realize that EVERY day you meet with your mentee is important.” Patti thinks that the mentee sees that she is willing to put time into their relationship, and feels that the mentee feels valued because of that. Her match knows that the little things that Patti does, add up to help make their relationship grow. “I think the youth of today want to be understood and not have their opinions and concerns dismissed by adults.”
She believes her success with her mentee comes from regularly meeting on the same day and time. Of course, there is flexibility if something comes up for either the mentor or the mentee.
Patti notes that as a community member, you may feel like you don’t have enough time in your day to become a mentor. Like so many things in life, you may dismiss being a TeamMates mentor; but Patti believes that the feeling of doing something for someone else is what helps her. She encourages everyone to become a mentor and become involved with the youth of the community. Patti has also served on the TeamMates Board.