Quotes from our Mentors

A word from Y Mentors volunteers

on what they have gained from being a mentor…

“The smile of a child is one of the greatest rewards a mentor can have! The trust of a child is worth every effort and time devoted to them!”

“Why I mentor: It allows me to give something back.  I think this is a feeling that is shared by many business people, professional athletes, movie stars, educators, and on and on.  There seems to be a deep seeded need to give and help others as you were helped.”

“One thing I've certainly gained is a greater appreciation for the roles that parents, teachers, mentors, and other adults play in the lives of youth.  It's not hard to see, once we take the time to be aware and give it some thought, the incredible number of kids and teens that are absolutely crying out for someone to connect with.  And while that has always been a normal part of the growing up process, I don't think anyone would argue that many of the challenges and choices that today's youth are faced with are far beyond what any earlier generations have faced. Any time we can connect with a youth in a positive way or help show a young person that character is a part of everything we do (or don't do), I think we're making a difference in the future of our world.  Carry on Mentors!”

“I have profited greatly from the Y-Mentors program.  I have learned that I was as much "at risk" as the kids the program is designed to serve.  I was at risk of moving through life with a whole set of racial and class stereotypes going unchallenged.  I have also gained a friend, who I think will be a friend for life.”

“Kids have an innate wisdom about life that is easily lost as we grow up. Being a mentor has been a reminder of some of those things that adulthood has tried to complicate: The simplicity of joy, the amazement at what people can accomplish, the continual striving for knowledge in a world large enough to always provide more for us to learn.”

"In the past year I have been a mentor I have personally gained an understanding of what today's teens face in an ever changing world. Through my mentee I have gained his perspective and differences on family, friends, school and the future.  The times I have spent with my mentee have been worthwhile in just knowing I have been a source of support for today's youth."

“Besides the obvious personal gains--the friendship relationship with my mentee and the knowledge of her culture--I've gained a better sense of the Rochester community and its diversity.  Mentorship organized activities and friends of my mentee have raised my awareness of the many diverse cultural groups in our community.  Learning about their struggles as immigrants or refugees and hearing or knowing first-hand of their hard work, achievements and participation as responsible citizens in our community have given me a perspective that I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't been involved with the mentorship program.  I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to be a mentor.”