A space for you to share your thoughts
Here is your chance to post your questions, or comments about your mentoring experiences. Many of you feel a little frustrated because mentoring is not turning out to be how you had dreamed it, Perfect! Mentoring is a very rewarding activity in the long run. Many of you will not see any changes the first, second or third month. Remember that you are working with kids who have suffered tremendously. They have experienced very difficult times for their young age. You might not see the impact you are having in that child's life, but trust me you are making a difference. Please post your experiences as a mentor.
posted by Laura Moller-Leon @ 11:44 AM
8 Comments:
Hey guys, Is anyone else having this problem? My mentee never returns my calls. I'll call her once or twice a week to check in and if she isn't home (Which is quite often) I'll leave messages for her but she will never call me back. Any suggestions?
Hello Anonymous,
I think this is a great way to not only get to know some of the other mentors, but share ideas as well.
I have two mentees and trying to keep up with them was quite a job in the beginning.
I always felt that if I called and did not talk to them it was a let down, and I would feel pretty low.
When expressing my thoughts to Katrice (Mother Net Staff) I came to understand that it is the call that is most important.
I found that as long as they know you called your responsibility has been fulfilled.
One of my mentees is very quiet and shy and says very little our conversations are short maybe 2-3minutes or less.
It is a very short time and only a few words are exchanged but according to his mom the kid is ecstatic over just short conversations.
He smiles from ear to ear just hearing my voicemails.
Some are shy and don't quite know what to say.
I believe they just need to know you are there and care. So just a simple message on the machine can mean so much.
You want to just take these kids and give them all the love you can give, but it has to be done in mentees on time and pace.
With some it may seem no progress is being made, but trust me when you least expect it they will say or do something that will totally shock you.
I have found this work to be such a blessing, sometimes I feel I learn more from them than they me.
The Mother Net staff is equipped to assist in any situation and can guide you to excellence in communication and maintaining a healthy, fun loving
Relationship with your mentee.
Let’s keep in contact it’s good to converse with my fellow mentors. Blessings!
Ron Roberson, Mentor
Wow! You're right. I really shouldn't take it so personally. The point is that I remain consistent with her and keep up my responsibility as the initiator. I really do want her to know that I'm hear for her and I guess when she's ready she'll call me.
Thanks Ron....how you're dealing with two mentees I'll never know.
Dear Anonymous,
I'm glad you were able to get the response you were looking for. You certainly can't go wrong with Brother Ron's response. He knows from experience. And the both of you are right, it just takes time.
We definitely touch on this very concern in our trainings. I would encourage you to attend our next training on Oct. 28th here at MotherNet L.A. from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (if you haven't already).
We also go through a few senerio's just to see how you would handle difficult situations.
If you can make it on the 28th be sure to slip me a note so I'll know it's you.
Keep up the Great Work!
Hey anonymous,
I love both of them and it has been a joy to be in their lives.
I had to learn the rules of being a mentor. The thing that was hard to understand was I'm not a sub father or step dad. I don't need to spend a lot of money to by their friendship. I had to realize that I'm a friend that will be there at all times.
One of the greatest things that ever happened is when one of them started to tell me his feelings towards his father in prison.
Now don't tell anybody but on the way home I cried...uh if you tell anybody I'll just flat out deny it!! (Smile)
Ron Roberson, Proud Mentor
Okay guys, this is your opportunity to get to know your fellow mentors. Would anyone like to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself and your mentee? or would our new mentors (mentors matched less than 3 months) like to ask our veteran mentors any questions.
We currently have 28 active matches. So, I'm sure there are any number of things to discuss. For instance, it has been suggested that we have video game tournament here at MotherNet. How many of you and your mentee's would be interested in participating? Let me know.
Come on guys, Ron and Anonymous already got the ball rolling. Let's keep up the momentum.
Hi all,
I am the mentor to a sweey girl named Janiece. My mentoring relationship has not been perfect, but it has definately been a blessing. I don't have any children or nieces/nephews, so seeing someone each week who's so excited to see me because I'm me, is utterly thrilling.
Simera
Hey Simera,
Thanks for representing for yourself and "Janiecey Weecy" as I like to call her. For those, who might not know. Simera and Janiece will soon be approaching their 1 year mark. So Congratulations!!!
Katrice Johnson, Program Coordinator
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