Having someone alongside you to cheer you on academically and personally goes a long way. We’ve seen firsthand how mentors can provide their mentees with an experienced friend who is there to help in various ways. DREAM’s mentors give the youth in our community someone who cares about them and their future. There are substantial benefits for mentees and mentors as well.
Those who participate in youth mentoring programs are more likely to do better academically, and these programs help decrease dropout rates. Students who are involved are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer themselves. Mentoring at-risk youth helps give them just as many opportunities as others. Mentoring doesn’t only benefit the youth in our community, it can help you live a better life. Here’s how!
It gets you out of your comfort zone
Being a mentor can help you gain new perspectives and ideas, as well as help you see things differently. You relay what you’ve learned to your mentee, but they can also show you a whole new way of looking at the world. It’s important to be able to understand differing perspectives. When you can look at things from a new angle, you become more empathetic.
It helps you become more empathetic
A good life skill to have is empathy. It’s important to be able to understand why someone believes what they do and thinks like they do. We need to know how to share our feelings with others and be able to have conversations about those feelings. You don’t have to completely change your mindset, but it’s necessary to listen and learn from others. Through mentoring at-risk youth, you’ll learn just as much from them as they will from you.
It’s a way to give back to others
Mentoring is one great way to give back to your community. Everyone feels good after helping others. Science suggests that giving back helps with personal growth and overall happiness. Altruism is hardwired in our brains, and when we experience that sensation, it helps us feel good about living a meaningful life. It’s rewarding to know you’ve made a difference in the lives of our youth.
You’ll learn something from youth mentoring programs, too
Mentors can help youth reach their full potential. Team mentoring allows them to interact with their peers and gives them guidance and support from an adult. By giving them assistance, life-changing experiences and positive role models to look up to, they are given more opportunities to succeed.
We can help them push through challenging times, work through mistakes and simply be a friend. If you want to get involved with DREAM, reach out to us! Along with team mentoring, we provide after-school programs and athletics. Become a mentor with DREAM and see how youth mentoring programs can both change a life and have your life changed!
