2019 trip to National Museum of African American History and Culture #mentees Phew chile....teenage girls are a lot! But then again, which age group isn't a lot to handle?!
When I decided to do Teach For America in the Mississippi Delta, I thought doing my job was solely teaching my content. Little did I know, I would also find my passion, which is empowering young people through education and the arts. And as my 8th grade students would say after every declarative sentence "periodt."
The need to give back to people and communities, especially those that have been historically and systematically marginalized runs deep in my blood. I want to see communities flourish and I love doing that hard, gritty service work because at the end of the day, who else will?
In every application letter I wrote for scholarships or school admissions, I stated how much I wanted to use my voice, platform, and talent to inspire others to be the changemakers in their communities. I believe in elevating young people who will help shape the best future imaginable. So, when the opportunity came to fundraise and sponsor my former students, my close friends around me began to see me as their mentor. My first reaction was what? me? I'm way too young to mentor?!
And that's the thing. Why do millennials think they are too young to mentor? While teaching in a middle school, I've realized that mentorship requires passion, care, and past experiences. That is what I have, that is what you also have. We all have these unique qualities that show great leadership. So why don't we, millennials mentor more often? Maybe it's that anxiety of "well I don't think I have accomplished enough to be someone else's mentor" or "I'm still figuring out my purpose, so I cannot mentor someone else yet." Pause. Breathe. I completely understand. But don't swaddle yourself in negative talk. The best thing to realize is whenever you are secure in yourself, you have something to offer. So, think about mentoring an adolescent because phew chile...they sure need it!
What I did as a mentor: I had the privilege to tutor girls on their writing on a blog titled Her Diaries, www.her-diaries.com/ where these girls wrote honestly about their life experiences.
As a dance teacher, I led a group of sixteen girls on self-expression, body positivity, choreography, trust and teamwork. They had a fun time dancing for the community as a team and I had an enjoyable time seeing their skills and confidence evolve.
Even as a volleyball coach, I have seen one of my former players apply and get accepted on a full ride to Williams College in Massachusetts after advocating a liberal arts education and promoting my alma matter, Wesleyan University. I am proud of her and I know she will do great things.
Let's continue to invest in the next generation again and again because the rewards are always worth it.
Periodt.
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