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A Match Story: Rebecca and MacyTwo years ago South High School's Assistant Principal Joe Doyle asked us to start a mentoring program that would match incoming freshmen with upperclassmen. We called our program the "Mentor Connection", and it helped freshmen negotiate the tricky terrain of high school. Freshmen and their upperclassmen mentors could develop one-to-one friendships and also enjoy a group affiliation. The match between Macy and Rebecca represents the vision we had for Mentor Connection matches. Macy describes herself as a shy person who struggled with school. She knew high school would be a hard transition. She wanted help with homework; she wanted someone who was doing well in school and would show her the ropes. She wanted a mentor, a friendly face among so many unfamiliar ones. Rebecca was a junior whose own memories of that difficult freshman year were still with her. Rebecca said, "I struggled with the social differences. There were so many programs, and it was hard to know who to talk to about things." She wanted to help someone with the increased demands of the high school curriculum. She wanted to share her experiences and offer guidance. She wanted to be that friendly face among so many unfamiliar ones. For the past two years Macy and Rebecca have been meeting at school. Sometimes the time is spent on tutoring; sometimes it's just to catch up on their everyday lives. Macy talked about some "rough spots" she had in her life last summer. She was not feeling well, her car broke down, and she and a boyfriend decided to part ways. Macy said simply of Rebecca, "It was nice to have her around." She looked to Rebecca as someone who would listen with an open mind. She also trusted Rebecca's advice and followed it. Rebecca was an advocate for her Little Sister, even talking to Macy's teachers in order to strengthen Macy's support network. Macy's grades rose to the A/B level her sophomore year. She became a cheerleading coach for her church and will continue this commitment. Rebecca has been there to see Macy's personal growth. She remarked, "Macy has really branched out and isn't as overwhelmed as she was during freshman year. She's a lot more open, and I see her talking to all types of people." Best of all, Macy is excited about her future. She plans to become an elementary school teacher, and she knows this will involve a lot of school. School was not something she was confident about two summers ago as she anticipated her freshman year. That's no longer the case. Rebecca will attend Indiana University this fall, and while she is not sure what her major will be she is strongly considering pre-med. During her senior year, she was named as one of South's "Leaders of Tomorrow", a group recognized for high grades and extracurricular activities. She is likely to succeed at any goal she sets for herself. Finally, Macy and Rebecca will no longer meet during the school day as they once did; but they will remain matched and will continue to enjoy the friendship they have.ArchiveBet and Mary Allen & Kenny and Brandon Dean & Evan and Ben |
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