I attend a program called Higher Achievement where I meet with a different mentor each night. I have three mentors. Ms. Amanda teaches me Math, Ms. Sarah teaches me Literature and Mr. Joe teaches me Seminar. Ms. Amanda allows us to talk to her about anything. Ms. Sarah is really kind and she is a lot of fun. Mr. Joe is a focused man. When he gives us instruction he expects us to do what he asks, and we always do because we have a lot of respect for him and all our mentors. They make us feel comfortable to talk about a problem, school and any feelings we have without being nervous.
Thanks to Higher Achievement, United Way, and Ms. Amanda, I had the honor of meeting President Barack Obama at the White House. This is something that I never thought I would do, but I am so excited that I did. January was National Mentoring Month and President Obama wanted to make a speech to mentors. Ms Amanda works for United Way. Ms. Amanda is a great mentor, which is why she was selected to attend the speech, and she chose to take me with her. It was great to share that experience with her because she really deserved it.
I believe meeting President Obama will be the first of many great things to happen to me thanks to my mentors and Higher Achievement. My plans are to attend Baltimore City High School, go to college and become a lawyer. I want to become a lawyer so I can help people who need it, just like my mentors help me. I would also like to become a mentor as soon as I am able so that I can help children through their education and life experiences.
Mentors can help us to feel confident in what we have learned in school and help to teach us more. They don’t only teach us educational lessons, but they teach us skills such as how to deal with conflict and work with others in a team. Mentors are great because they are like family that knows how to tutor you. They are really patient and they teach things step by step in a way that is easy to learn and fun. It feels good to have adult friends that I know want the best for me and will help me to get the best for me. I am thankful that I have mentors and I believe every child should have one.