By Rasheda Kamaria Williams


Think back to when you were 12 or 13-years-old. Do you remember any caring adults who made a difference in your life? Perhaps it was a teacher who took extra time to help you understand polynomials. Maybe it was a neighbor who told you about her exciting career as an attorney and encouraged you to go to college. No matter who it was, you probably still remember and often refer to the positive impact that person had in your life.
 
Fast forward 10 to 15 years from today. Are there any young people acknowledging you as one of the adults who inspired them? Is there a college valedictorian referencing you in his or her graduation speech as someone who cared?
 
Now is the time to make the difference. You can change a young person’s life for the better starting today. January is National Mentoring Month - a time for individuals and organizations across the country to bring awareness to the need for caring adults to serve as role models for youth.

I’ve been inspired to mentor for the past 15 years. While I have no biological children, I am dedicated to positively impacting the young people in my family and in my community.

 
The author and her mentee, Jordan, over the years.

According to MENTOR, the national mentoring partnership, 1 out of 3 children will grow up without a mentor.
 
You can be the change.

There are many benefits for children and teens matched with mentors. These young people are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and activities such as truancy, drugs and gangs. They also are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.
 
Consider this.

It only takes a few hours a month of face time and a phone call a week to help increase a child’s self-esteem. In addition to the mentee’s development, the mentor benefits in many ways. My mentees have helped me aspire higher in my career and in life. And knowing that they’re looking up to me, keeps me living in integrity.

Still not sure about mentoring? Here are a few insights that may help:

- You don’t have to be rich or famous or have super powers. Honestly, you don’t even have to be employed to be a good mentor. Kids just want to know you care.

- Most youth seeking mentors are good kids. While some may have challenges in school or socially, many just want someone who believes in them. All children are different. Get to know them.

- Consider formally mentoring the young people in your life. Your nieces, nephews or cousins may be looking for career, college or life mentors. May as well be you!

- If you have a big heart and a little time, then you’re a great candidate. Really, those are the basic requirements (besides passing a background check and perhaps attending an orientation/training session.)
 
Learn more at Mentoring.org.


Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, author and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl LLC, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another. Rasheda has been a mentor for more than 15 years and enjoys giving back. She is an aunt of three wonderful nieces, one nephew and one great-nephew. Connect with her at www.empoweredflowergirl.com.


Photos courtesy Rasheda Kamaria Williams
Published: January 11, 2017