Hello Friends!
Donna recently shared a quote with me that really touched my heart, it was from the late Bill Russell, amazing mentor and famous Boston Celtics basketball player, he stated: “The truth is, that in all walks of life, mentors transform lives. Whether it’s the middle school math teacher who drove you home from school every day; the uncle who busted your chops when your grades started to slip; the older student who kept you under a watchful eye; or the basketball coach who believed in you – none of us would be where we are today without the support of our mentors.”
This month I hope that Mr. Russell’s quote also touches your heart, I hope it inspires each of us to take a minute and remember who believed in us, who made sure we were home safe, and who busted our chops when we needed it! We are who and where we are today because of them.
I also hope it reminds us of the importance of giving that same gift to those around us. As the new school year starts may we also be reminded-it isn’t only about one hour a week-it is about what we do with the other 167 hours in our week as well. The encouragement we give, the friendship we offer, the helping hand we provide, the opportunities we are given that allow us to transform lives.
Each school year The Mentoring Network staff visits with our mentees, we receive so much wonderful feedback. We hear common trends “my mentor is my best friend”, “they make me feel cared about”, “I trust my mentor”, “if I could tell them something I would say thank you” and from the older kids we often hear “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentor”.
If you are reading this I can confidently say, whether you are a current or past mentor for The Mentoring Network, a supporter, an advocate, or a friend-you are a mentor to our community. You are an example, and it motivates those around you to be better because of it. Today we are molding the mentors of tomorrow, we are transforming lives. Thank you for joining us on this journey, we are honored to have you make it with us!
—
Marci Silva
Board Chair
The Mentoring Network Inc.
www.MentoringNetworkID.org
One hour, once a week, transforms lives
