Thank a Mentor: January is National Mentor Month

Thank A Mentor: January is National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentor Month. In Urbana School District #116, there are more than a 100 people building meaningful connections with our youth. But that number isn’t enough, we need U!

Research shows that by spending just one hour a week with a young person, he or she is more likely to volunteer, get involved in extracurriculars and hold a leadership position. Students who have a mentor are also less likely to skip school and use drugs, and more likely to go to college.

We asked some USD Mentors “Why did you choose to become a mentor?” Here is what they had to say:

Teresa Blanden: Has been a mentor in Urbana for 13 years, and is also mentored in Unit 4 for 2 years concurrently. She says “I am a mentor because it gives African American girls an opportunity to see someone who looks like them giving back, working in the community and accomplishing their personal and professional goals.”

Ronald Cler: “I have been mentoring for 12 years and still find it very rewarding. My first guy graduated in 2019 and we still keep in contact and have dinner occasionally. I just enjoy helping people.”

Theo Long: Has been mentoring for three years. He said, “I mentor because I think it helps me just as much as it helps my mentee. While it might seem like a selfish answer, it’s something I didn’t think I would feel when I got started with the program. When I first started I just wanted to help and be a reliable mentor for my mentee. It didn’t take me long to realize how much I enjoy meeting with my mentee on a weekly basis. I am grateful for the program and I look forward to growing my relationship with my mentee.”

David Thiel: “I started mentoring in October 2016. I worked for WILL-TV, and while one of my responsibilities was scheduling their educational kids’ shows, I felt that it wasn’t enough. I had been a book mentor at CECC, but I wanted to make more of an impact in the life of a child.”

Dionne Webster: Has been a mentor for over 10 years. She says as a child, she needed extra love and attention and had several influential women who supported her. “I mentor because I want to support girls the same way I was supported. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the many mentors I have been blessed with at various stages in my life.”

National Thank your Mentor day is Thurs., Jan. 27. On Jan. 20, CU 1-to-1 is hosting a virtual celebration of mentors. All current mentors and anyone interested in becoming a mentor are welcome to attend.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, there are two upcoming mentor trainings:

Jan. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Urbana Middle School
Feb. 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Champaign Unit 4 Mellon Building

For more information about mentoring, or to sign up for a training session, please contact Dr. Mia Lavizzo at: (217)337-0853 or mlavizzo@usd116.org

Commitment:

Mentors commit to meeting with their mentees one hour a week during the school day for one (1) school year. Although we just require a one year commitment, our hope is that mentors will recommit at the end of that year and, if possible, continue through high school graduation.

Requirements:

Ability to meet with mentee one-on-one, once per week
Willingness to comply with guidelines offered at training
Genuine concern for children
Ability to commit to one year of mentoring with the understanding you will be asked to continue beyond one year