Mentor: Kathryn Main, Human Resources Manager, Campbell Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Solutions

• What do you enjoy the most about mentoring?
  • It is very rewarding to think I might be making a lasting, positive impact on her life, and, it is also fun to take an hour away from adulthood to step back into the world and the mind of a sixth grader.
• How long have you been mentoring?
  • I believe we first met in October.
• What are some of things you and your mentee do during your session?
  • We are still in the process of getting to know each other and building friendship and trust, so at this point we mostly just talk about life and what is going on in each other’s worlds. Recently, we have started to discuss in detail different careers she might be interested in – what those jobs entail and what it takes to get there.
• What inspired you to become a mentor?
  • When I was in high school I was a camp counselor at Community Connections and the time I spent with those children forever changed me.  Those relationships were short-term but I still hope I was a positive influence in their life during that time. I wanted to become a mentor to hopefully make a real, long-term impact in someone’s life.
• What are some goals that you and your mentee set?
  • We have talked about one big, long term goal and that is for her to go to college. She is extremely smart and grounded. I know she can accomplish any goal she sets her mind to.
• What is your favorite memory with your mentee so far?
  • One day we spent our session taking turns asking each other questions or telling each other stories – that’s my favorite memory so far because that’s when we both started to open up more.
• Is there anything you would like to share with others about your mentoring experience?
  • It’s not the easiest commitment to stick to because life gets busy and days get hectic. But every single time I sit down with her, it helps me re-center and reminds me what is really important in life – the relationships we build and the impact we make. Mentoring affords you the opportunity to do both.

Mentee: Taquina Williams, sixth grade student

• What do you like most about your mentor?
  • Ms. Main is cool and funny. She understands me and knows how to make me laugh.
• What is the best advice you have received from your mentor?
  • The best advice I received from her is to stay out of trouble by focusing on my studies and myself.
•  What is your favorite memory with your mentor so far?
  • The first time we made jokes and laughed with each other.
• What are some accomplishments that you have accomplished with your mentor?
  • She helped me improve and maintain my grades. I could not have done it without her.