Brad
First name of mentee: Leroy
Years serving as mentor: 3
Job: Graphic Designer
Why became a mentor: I have had friends who have worked with young people in Memphis. The stories they would tell me about how some kids grow up and the kinds of examples they see were terrible. It’s easy to see how kids get caught up in negative cycles and can’t get out. I don’t think I am perfect by any means, but if I can be some kind of positive influence and help a kid to see something different and something positive, I think I’ll have done my job as a mentor and hopefully made a difference in his life.
Memorable experience with mentee: The Connect Mentors went to a Grizzlies basketball game where I meet Leroy’s sister. She told me that Leroy talks about me a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what he is thinking so I was glad to hear that I was making an impression.
Advice / insight to others interested in mentoring: Sometimes kids don’t say much and it’s hard to tell what they are thinking, but if you make an effort and are honest with them I think they recognize that and appreciate it more than you know. If you keep meeting with your mentee and keep trying, eventually they will be talking your ear off.