Youth Achievement Mentoring

Dear Sirs,
 

The Youth Achievement Foundation’s One-On-One Mentoring Program is a life-changing event both for the student and the mentor. Two semesters ago, when I first became involved in the program., I remember imagining what the first day would be like. I reviewed in my mind what little I retained from my days in the fourth grade. Then, I rehearsed how I would teach multiplication tables and how I would command my student’s attention when it became necessary. I was ready to be a role model and turn some kid’s disarrayed life around for good.
 
The first day of the program finally arrived. I walked into the Garland elementary school and was introduced to a skinny boy with slightly messed up hair, and shy look about his face. This little boy was to become my project; his name is Italo. Before we were introduced. I was told that he, most likely, had an attention deficit disorder. After working with him for just a few sessions, it became obvious, as a good friend would say, that Italo’s disorder was one of not enough attention being paid to his bright and active mind rather than a lack of attention on his part.
 
The shy look he wore was caution more than anything else. Once we sat and began our first session, it didn’t take long for Italo and I to get engaged in conversation. He figured that we could get along and trust each other, the guard was dropped and he voluntarily shared information about likes, dislikes, family, school and sports. We shared many things in common, including two languages: English and Spanish. He seemed to have an unquenchable thirst for conversation. I tried to work on math and reading as much as possible but it never took long for him to pause, raise his head a bit and say, “Can I tell you something?”

One such time, he wanted to tell me about a school talent show that was coming up in a few days. That particular Tuesday, I had had one of my most frustrating days in a very long time. Not a thing seemed to have gone my way and I felt the entire world was on my back. Reluctant, I nodded and asked him to tell me about his seemingly trivial event. He began to explain how he had formed a group with four friends to sing at the talent show. He went on about how one of the kids had had a problem arise and needed to be replaced. Then another kid, and he also had to be substituted. The same happened to a third, and again a stand-in had to be found. As Italo came gasping to the end of his ordeal, he sighed and said, “It’s hard work.” I couldn’t do anything but burst out consumed with glee and relief. I thought that I had problems.
 
I also thought that I would teach this kid about life and how to become a responsible and coherent adult. What an oversight on my part! Little Italo, innocent and brimming with boyish wisdom had just put my thirty-year-old existence into perspective. Now, every time that life gets a bit difcult, I remember my young friend. Then I sigh saying, “It’s hard work,” and go on remembering what I learned from my young mentor. I can only hope to make as much a positive impact on his life as he has already made on mine.

 
Antonio J. del Rincón Pineda