Mentors
Hear from our mentors:
Casey Sears
"Getting to mentor a high school student was equal parts rewarding and humbling. I felt so grateful that my mentee trusted me with their thoughts and experiences, and I learned very quickly that I was not going to have the answers all the time (and that that was never the point to begin with). I met my mentee in person starting in Fall 2019, but quickly moved remote once COVID hit in March 2020. I’m still in awe of everything they were able to accomplish while processing constant change and stress."
Monique Blackwood
"It is important that we share our experiences with students especially first-generation college students so they will know how to navigate college life and beyond. Our lessons learned can be great wisdom for the younger generation. We need programs like GSCA to be able to share and pass on our knowledge and information. It is also great when students are receptive and want to learn and are open-minded."
Nicolette Izquierdo
"The benefits of mentoring for mentees (and also mentors!) have been proven time and time again. By providing guidance and support, I felt we both grew in increased confidence and comfort in our communications, especially navigating college, fulfillment through community, and respectful and engaging perspectives. In addition, I think this program allowed us to foster inclusive and collaborative conversation."
Mentoring guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.
sTORY Spotlight
