March--Mentor of the Month 2021
This month’s TeamMates “Mentor of the Month” spotlights Robin Wagner. She has been matched in the Osmond TeamMates chapter for two years now. Her mentee is a currently a 5th grader.
Robin says that it works best for her match and herself to meet over the mentee’s lunch period or recess time; however, sometimes they meet after school. If it is during lunch the match tends to do more talking and catching up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Robin discovered what her mentee likes to do simply by asking her what she likes/dislikes. She tries to engage her mentee in conversation to see what her interests are. If they meet during a recess or after school they have played basketball, board games, or worked on crafts.
Robin has learned that small talk carries a lot of weight in solidifying bonds, and understanding her mentee through their discussions. A simple 20-minute conversation can have a big impact on the mentee. “Today's youth is very busy, so taking a little bit of time for them to have a conversation with someone who they know cares about them, goes a long way in developing a trusting relationship. As a mentor you can make a connection with today’s youth”, said Robin.
In addition, Robin stated that mentoring is very beneficial to today's youth, and rewarding to the mentor as well. There are lots of kids that would benefit from the opportunity to have a mentor in their life. Please consider being a mentor, kids need to receive and talk about aspects of life like building trust, acts of kindness, and doing the right thing.
Community members interested in helping with the Teammates program can do so by mentoring, serving on the board of directors or donating to the scholarship fund. Please contact Program Coordinator Beth Manzer (748-3963) or go to www.teammates.org if interested.