In the lives of most young people, they will naturally form an attachment to an adult, whether that person is a teacher, coach, or family member. If you have children, you will understand how important it is for your child to feel they are important and being listened to by a responsible person. If you can develop a closer relationship with a young person, you have the chance to have a positive impact on their life which could last long into their adulthood.
A positive impact on educationIn terms of education, the positive impact you can have on a young person cannot be underestimated. Not only will you see a large amount of effort from the young person you are assisting, but you will also have the chance to enjoy the fact your mentee will have a far higher chance of graduating from high school and attend a four-year college. Dropout rates are far lower when you act as a mentor for a young person and are coupled with a better attitude towards the school for those who feel their efforts are being appreciated by you, the U.S. Government reports. A study dating back to 1995 found a young person with an identifiable mentor was more likely to score better on tests and complete more work than their peers.
What role does a mentor play?You may be concerned about making the commitment of becoming a mentor to a needy child, but the reality is a mentor only meets their mentee on average twice a month, Boston University reports. A mentor can take many forms, but for most children, they are simply a person who they can meet up with and talk on a regular basis. Mentors often spend time with their mentee having fun and completing activities as they learn more about the life of the child they are working with.
Creating a better attitudeMeeting a child a couple of times a week seems a small sacrifice when you understand the positive impact you can have on the life of a child who may have little positive interaction with adults. The attitude of each child can be positively impacted, particularly those from minority groups who have experienced discrimination and social problems in their lives. African-American children who have faced discrimination have a lower chance of breaking the law or resorting to substance abuse when they work with a mentor.
If you are considering becoming a mentor, these are just a few of the positive impacts you can have on the life of a young person. Children often form relationships with caring adults naturally while others are linked to an adult by a mentoring group. You can look to have a positive impact on the life of a child by becoming a mentor and simply providing a little time for a child in need.
