Dear editor:

The importance of mentoring cannot be overstated. For many students having a mentor may be the difference between success or failure. At its basic level, it guarantees a young person has a caring, loving person in their life and they are not alone while dealing with day to day life activities. On a more complex level, the future of the child’s life will be changed. By spending time sharing activities, listening, encouraging, challenging, and building skills and self-reliance, volunteers can help children of all ages.

Each school year, hundreds of students are referred to the Y Mentoring Program by teachers, counselors, and principals in hopes of having a mentor invest in a youngster’s life. Every Colquitt County school participates in the program. Mentoring Director Jan Barrow states,” At this time, over 200 students are being served by only 124 mentors.” She added,” that many more mentors are needed to fulfill the requests on the long waiting list of students.” The Y Mentoring program is a school-based program that is fully supported by Colquitt County Schools. The Y and the school system agree that mentoring on school grounds provides a safe environment for everyone.  Georgia’s REACH Scholars in Colquitt County are also being served through the Y program.

Many success stories have been shared by both mentors and students. Some of the students have had a mentor that began working with them in elementary school and stayed until graduation. Many relationships continue into adulthood. Mentors have said, “Watching my students reach goals we have set together has been extremely rewarding!”  and “Being offered the opportunity to give back has been a blessing to me.”  Students are quick to credit their mentor for the positive influences in their life. One mentee stated, “My confidence has improved dramatically with my mentor encouraging me.”

 Consistency is the key to building a relationship, so mentors spend quality time with their student. Each mentor spends thirty minutes to an hour each week as a positive role model, friend/champion, challenger, and a social supporter.  Schools understand how busy life can be, and work to accommodate the mentor’s time and schedule.   

It is very easy to become involved in the program. No specific qualifications are needed, just a love for children and the desire to help make their lives better by spending time with them. Good mentors are flexible, have energy, time, and enthusiasm about making a difference. To learn more about the program contact the Y at 229-985-1154.

Jan Barrow

Moultrie YMCA