School Partnerships: Western Wayne Lincoln High School

Students, otherwise reluctant to talk with teachers, will open up to us when we mention their mentor. I always appreciate having an “in” whereby I can generate a conversation with a student who would otherwise “fall through the cracks.” That last sentence is what mentoring is all about! Most of the “mentees” are students who would move unnoticed – and unhelped – through their high school years. But with a mentor, these same students find someone (finally!) who will work with them on a one-to-one basis. Sometimes mentors might seem a little discouraged that your student has not progressed as rapidly as you had hoped or does not seem to show much spark at all. You might think you’re not making much of a difference in that student’s life. But you are making a difference! Your student is still talking to you and he/she is still in school. That’s awesome!